Chelsea manager slams Ferguson, Wenger

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has said criticism from Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger over referee Mark Clattenburg’s alleged monkey slur against Nigerian and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi will be taken on board to by his Chelsea players but only used as a ‘motivational tool.’
The Blues boss refused to be drawn on the issue in any depth, citing the matter was in the hands of the police and FA, Mail Online reports.
But responding to the Manchester United manager’s comments questioning the credibility of the claims he said: ‘He likes to talk about other clubs. We tend not to. I’ll leave it up to him.
“It’s a free country where everybody has the freedom of speech. We’ll take into consideration what other people say and use it as a motivational tool for ourselves.
Di Matteo added of Ferguson’s scepticism, “The investigation will qualify this. We don’t want to prejudice any trial.”
Asked if he feared referees might treat the club differently after making the accusations against Clattenburg, the Italian said: ‘I really hope not. I believe that they won’t. We have faith in the referees. They are people that are under a lot of pressure.
‘They are human beings like everyone else. You have to try your best and sometimes mistakes can happen.’
Di Matteo maintained his stance of silence when asked about the Chelsea fan caught making a ‘monkey’ gesture during Wednesday’s Capital One Cup tie but did suggest the manner in which racist incidents have been highlighted proved there was still work to be done.
“I always said that we are against any form of discrimination,’ he said. ‘We will support anyone who is fighting that. That’s our position and my personal belief as well.
“The fact that these incidents are happening give a lot of media exposure and makes people aware that we have to fight maybe a little more strongly than perhaps we thought.
“Everyone has to be involved in this process to eradicate it from the sport and life in general.”
Earlier on Friday, Ferguson hit out at Chelsea for accusing Clattenburg of allegedly abusing Mikel.
The Metropolitan Police and the FA are investigating an allegation that Clattenburg used ‘inappropriate language’ towards Mikel during the game in which he sent off two Blues players as they went down 3-2 to Ferguson’s side.
“I don’t believe Mark Clattenburg would make any comment like that,” said Ferguson.
“I think it’s unthinkable. It’s unthinkable in the modern climate. I just don’t believe it.
“There’s no way a referee would stoop that low. I’m convinced of that.
“If you look at the modern game compared to 25 years ago it’s completely changed. I know the banter between players and referees 25 years ago is completely different.
“I have never heard a player come to me in the last 15 years and say a referee has sworn at them during a game, ever.
“This is where I stand on this issue with Mark Clattenburg. I just don’t believe it.”
Ferguson joins Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in standing by Clattenburg.
On Thursday, Wenger said, “I didn’t follow the whole (Chelsea) story completely (but) my opinion is just when I didn’t behave well 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.”