Ferguson dismisses Chelsea´s Clattenburg claims

Sir Alex Ferguson says he does not believe referee Mark Clattenburg made racist comments during Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea.

Chelsea have made an official complaint to the FA over the incident during the Premier League encounter last week, while the Metropolitan Police have stated that they are working with both parties after also receiving a complaint regarding the referee.

But Ferguson said on Friday that he does not think a referee would ‘stoop’ to making racist or offensive remarks, adding that he has never had a player make a complaint to him about a referee swearing.

“I don’t believe Clattenburg would make comments like that,” Ferguson said.

“I refuse to believe it. I think it’s unthinkable in the modern climate. I just don’t believe it. It’s as simple as that.

“There’s no way a referee would stoop to that (racist or offensive remarks). I’m convinced about that. I think the modern game – if we see the game of 25 years ago – has completely changed. I played myself, and I know the banter goes on between referees and players is completely different from today.

“I’ve never had a player come to me in the last 15 years and say a referee has sworn at him in a game. Ever. So, that’s where I stand. I don’t believe it.”

Speaking about the upcoming game against Arsenal at Old Trafford, Ferguson said that there were no new injury problems, and that a repeat of last year’s 8-2 victory will not happen again.

“It won’t happen again, that’s for sure, but it could be a motivation for Arsenal,” he said.

The game will come too soon for Chris Smalling, however. The defender is back training with the first-team, but Ferguson said that he is not ready yet for a return to action just yet.