By Simon Yeend
ARSENE WENGER has criticised the decision of Chelsea to go public with their complaint about referee Mark Clattenburg – and said the allegations have “little proof”.
Chelsea accused Clattenburg of using inappropriate language towards midfielder John Obi Mikel during Sunday’s 3-2 defeat by Manchester United and have made a complaint to the FA.
The Arsenal boss said he would prefer to see incidents like this dealt with internally. Clattenburg is also facing investigation by the police after the Society of Black Lawyers made a complaint to Scotland Yard.
Wenger said: “I have an explanation with the referee at the end of the game or another day, rather than going public with little proof. I’m not in favour of making these things public.”
While he admits he has had his own run-ins with referees during big games, Wenger insisted such disagreements do not need to involve third parties. “I believe one of the best things in sport is that it’s a battle when it is on,” said Wenger.
“You can sort out the problems you had internally, especially in England.
“If it comes to making the lawyers rich, I’m not a fan of it.
“One of the great things in sports is tolerance, forgiveness and explanation, and I think it should stay like that. It can happen that a referee doesn’t behave well. I do not say they are angels but it is always better to sort it out in the room.
“I myself have not always completely behaved very well because it’s always very heated but I am a deep supporter of doing that internally.”
As well as the claim that language of a racial nature was used towards Mikel, Chelsea initially made a complaint that Clattenburg had abused Spanish player Juan Mata but withdrew it yesterday saying there was insufficient evidence.
Clattenburg maintains his innocence and neither his assistants nor the fourth official support Chelsea’s allegations.
