Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he does not believe Mark Clattenburg would make racist comments.
The referee stands accused of directing racist comments at Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel during United's 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.
The matter is being investigated by the Football Association and the Metropolitan Police while Chelsea are conducting their own internal inquiry.
But Ferguson said: "I don't believe Mark Clattenburg would make any comments like that. 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 do that or stoop to that, I'm convinced about that.
"I think that the modern game that we see today, as opposed to 25 years ago, has completely changed.
"I played myself and I know that the banter that went on between referees and players 25 years ago is completely different from today.
"I've never had a player ever come to me in the last 15 years to say that a referee ever swore in a game, ever."
what do you think?
Tara Dunn
Thats one way to find yourself in court for libel mr foreign person......
Diane Rogers
I'm not foreign I agree
Stuart Collett
Scollett- I kno these r serious accusations but i think Clattenburg should be under investigation 4 those terrible decisions on sunday, he's obviously not gud enough 2 officiate in big game's!!
Dave Brooks
Ive always thought Clattenberg comes across as arrogant & not up to the job, but to suggest he used racist language? i cant see it myself.
LeeCraigStewart
What respected referee would abuse his position by being racist? I don't think Clattenburg made any such comments. After the defeat to United, the controversial decisions made during that game and the fact John Terry was guilty for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, I feel Chelsea made up these racial lies so they could feel like victims for a change and take the pressure off Terry. I think Chelsea should be punished for wasting both police and FA time.
J Oluwakorede Azeez
11:28am on 2/11/2012
Mr. Ferguson, why wouldn't u be in support of mark the bad officiatorist. You paid 4 his service and he done so. The time will come to regret your acts.
dillyhilly
12:56pm on 2/11/2012
You sound like a typical short minded Chelsea fan wot a stupid comment
Kelly Curtis
2:30pm on 2/11/2012
well said J. truth hurts some.