Former Premier League referee Jeff Winter has suggested that Mark Clattenburg may never officiate again if he is found guilty of racially abusing a Chelsea player. Chelsea lodged a formal complaint after Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, alleging that Clattenburg used inappropriate language, including a racial slur, towards two of their players.
Winter, who refereed for over 25 years, told BBC Radio 5 Live that a guilty verdict would likely spell the end of Clattenburg's career. 'If a match official has used racial insults or language to a player then he's for the high jump,' Winter said. 'He won't be getting a four-match or an eight-match ban, it'll probably be the end of his career.'
Clattenburg has not commented directly, but the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) has stated that the referee will cooperate with any investigation. The Football Association is expected to receive the match delegate's report, which includes Chelsea's allegations, later on Monday.
Winter also expressed doubt that Clattenburg could continue refereeing while the matter is unresolved. 'I feel it very unlikely that Mark Clattenburg would be allowed to referee until it's dealt with,' he said. He noted the irony of a referee being accused of inappropriate language, given that officials are regularly subjected to abuse from players and fans.
Winter added: 'It's slightly ironic that players dish it out left right and centre and then, if and there is a massive if, if something has been said back… then I don't think anybody's got a right to complain.' He stressed that the racial element makes the allegation extremely serious.
