Clive Wilkes: 'Referees could boycott Chelsea games'

Premier League referees could boycott matches involving Chelsea after allegations were made against Mark Clattenburg, according to former official Clive Wilkes.

Both the Metropolitan Police and Football Association are conducting investigations after Chelsea alleged that Clattenburg, 37, used "inappropriate language" towards John Obi Mikel.

Ex-Premier League ref Wilkes has now suggested that some of the current crop of officials would be willing to boycott Chelsea games.

He told The Sun: "I keep in touch with a lot of the lads and there is such a strength of feeling about what is happening to Mark.

"I know a few referees who are even talking about boycotting Chelsea games because of all this."

According to Press Association Sport, Clattenburg strenuously denies the allegations against him.

Wilkes added: "And some refs are now saying enough is enough. It's no exaggeration to say the refs in this country have never felt lower.

"They are so disillusioned. They feel vulnerable, feel that they are being left isolated - that they are getting no backing, no support.

"They want to speak out themselves but are too frightened, they fear they will be sacked if they go public with their grievances."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson publicly backed Clattenburg, who is not officiating this weekend, in a press conference yesterday.