The FA in England has charged Chelsea’s John Mikel Obi for breach of the games rules.
The charge came about as a result of Obi’s unruly behaviour and alleged use of abusive/insulting language towards match officials after the October 28, 2012 game against Manchester United, which Chelsea lost.
“It is alleged that in or around the Match Officials’ changing room at the end of the fixture, Mikel used threatening and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour,” the statement read.
Obi did not deny the charge but has asked the FA to give him a personal hearing so that he can air his own side of what happened that fateful day as regards the charge against him.
Chelsea had earlier lodged a complaint against referee Mark Clattenburg, alleging he had racially abused three of their players, Juan Mata, Ramires and Obi, but later retracted that but maintained their position as regards the Nigerian international’s case.
However, the FA has come out to clear the referee of any wrongdoing and instead laid a charge of gross misconduct against the Nigerian international.
The three other match officials, who were also witnesses in the case, who were also questioned, said Clattenburg did not utter the “alleged words” and they did not hear such words through their communication stream.
Unconfirmed sources say Clattenburg will sue Chelsea for defamation of character and loss of earnings.
It has been a tumultuous week for the reigning European champions as their Champions League qualification hangs in the balance after being routed 3-0 by Juventus in Turin and the subsequent sacking of Coach Roberto Di Matteo as a fall out of that result.
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