Referee Mark Clattenburg has been withdrawn from Premier League duty this weekend amid allegations he used inappropriate language of a racial nature during Manchester United's defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Football Association have begun an investigation into allegations from Chelsea that the 27 year old directed racial language reportedly towards midfielder John Obi Mikel.

And amid the claims, coupled with a performance which saw him controversially dismiss Fernando Torres, Clattenburg has been excluded from officiating during this weekend's top flight fixtures as investigations continue.

Mark Clattenburg
Clattenburg sent off two Chelsea players in a controversial defeat to Manchester United.

"PGMO believe that with any football match the focus should not be on the officials but on the players and the game itself," a Professional Game Match Officials statement said.

"Mark Clattenburg is one of the elite referees in world football and, in these circumstances, the intense level of scrutiny would detract from the match and be unfair to the clubs and the supporters of both sides."

Clattenburg is among the divisions' top officials and was earlier this year promoted to the FIFA elite referees list.

While the account from Mikel and fellow players will be important in The FA ascertaining the extent of the language used, the evidence submitted by linesmen Michael McDonough and Simon Long, as well as fourth official Michael Jones, whose ear pieces allows them to communicate and hear the referee during the game, will also prove important.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed there will being an investigation into an incident which left a steward injured following United's winning goal in West London.

Javier Hernandez's goal celebration sparked anger among Chelsea fans in the corner of the West Stand and Matthew Harding Stand with a steward subsequently requiring treatment from members of St John's Ambulance.

Met Police commissioner Bernard Hogan said: "My understanding is that there is a steward with an injury and it's not yet clear what caused that injury but we will look into it with the club. There should be CCTV.

"Obviously, there was some dispute at the end of the game, given it had been quite a controversial game.

"What we have to find out is if there was just one person involved or if there were any more. We will review the footage and talk to the clubs."

The FA released a statement earlier on Monday, revealing they would make a full investigation into the events of Sunday's afternoon's game, with United won 3-2.

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