Mikel insists he would have 'no problem' with Clattenburg refereeing Chelsea again

Dec 14, 2012 11:20:00 AM

The 25-year-old, who received a three-match ban for being threatening and/or abusive towards the referee, is "glad" that the row is over and hopes that all involved can "move on"

John Obi Mikel has indicated that he has moved on from the dispute with Mark Clattenburg, in which Chelsea football club accused the referee of racially abusing their midfielder.

The 37-year-old was cleared by the Football Association, after they concluded that the evidence was not strong enough, with Blues' team-mate Ramires the only person to hear the alleged words.

The Nigerian, however, was charged with using threatening and/or abusive words and/or behaviour aimed at the official after the defeat to Manchester United on October 28, and still has two games of the ban to serve.

The 25-year-old assured that there would be no issue if the Premier League referee took charge of the west London side again this season, adding he is hopeful everyone can move on.

"Everything is put to bed, we move on," Mikel told reporters. "If he refereed a game there would certainly be no problem.

“I am glad it is over. I am sure he is glad it is over as well, and the FA is glad it is all put to bed and we can move on from here.”

Of racism in football as a whole, the central midfielder, who recently signed a new five-year deal at Stamford Bridge, said the governing body must work with the players to beat the problem.

“It has been there for years,” he added.

“Hopefully everyone will work together – the players and the FA – to make sure we try to stop things like that.”