It has emerged today that Premier League refs may boycott Chelsea games because of the racism allegations directed towards Mark Clattenburg.
One week on we still don’t know what to make of the racism allegations made by Chelsea towards referee Mark Clattenburg. Unlike Fergie, we don’t know who to believe and whatever the verdict, one side is going to look awful.
If Clattenburg did racially abuse Obi John Mikel then he deserves the full weight of the law brought against him. If Chelsea have pursued this case in error then it reflects very badly on them at a time when their judgement around similar issues can also be questioned.
But with the incident now almost a week old and with no progress so far, the referees may be about to take action to defend one of their own. The Sun today carries quotes from former Premier League referee Clive Wilkes.
Wilkes says that a boycott of Chelsea games is being considered by active refs over the accusations directed at their colleague.
Wilkes said: “I keep in touch with a lot of the lads and there is such a strength of feeling about what is happening to Mark.
“I know a few referees who are even talking about boycotting Chelsea games because of all this.
“Remember, it’s not the first time Chelsea have targeted a referee — there’s been Anders Frisk and Graham Poll. And some refs are now saying enough is enough.”
We laughed at the NFL and their refusal to sort out their replacement referee issue earlier this year but we could be facing a similar situation in the Premier League soon. Referees could be imported from abroad to officiate but other teams may object on the grounds of different styles of refereeing and an all-out strike by referees could bring the game to a halt completely.
It certainly puts added pressure on the authorities to sort this matter out sooner rather than later.
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