LONDON – Following allegations of racist comments towards a player, Chelsea insiders suggest the club are “definitely interested” in making Mark Clattenburg a future club captain.
The news comes as the referee is under investigation for “inappropriate language” towards Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel during a match again Manchester United.
The alleged use of racially charged language is said to have immediately alerted Chelsea scouts to his potential as club captain.
‘He’s on our radar’
It’s thought Clattenburg could be the ideal candidate to replace current Captain John Terry and Chelsea are expected to make a formal approach for the 37-year-old if he is found guilty of making racial remarks.
Terry, who has less than a year on his contract, has shamed the club for a several years and Chelsea directors are thought to have been on the lookout for another liability to wear the captain’s armband.
If the allegations prove true, it would show Mark Clattenburg “has the ability to lead this club from one FA hearing to another for years to come” according to club officials.
Though Clattenburg is yet to be charged, the club like what they think he said so far but will await confirmation of guilt before approaching the him over a future role at the club.
Chelsea’s legal advisors think Clattenburg’s potential to make a player feel uncomfortable due to the colour of his skin puts him at the top of potential candidates to replace John Terry.
“No one is expecting John to continue offending other football players at the highest level forever,” said club chairman Bruce Buck. “Even Michael Richards will have to call it a day at some point.”
Playing it cool
Although Mr Buck did not officially confirm interest in Clattenburg, he did say Chelsea are “always on the on lookout for the next generation of men that can spout hate speech and should someone demonstrate that talent in high profile matches then we would certainly look at that.”
However, the club may want to move quickly to secure the services of Clattenburg to avoid a third-party like the BNP or Liverpool coming in for him.
When asked for comment on their interest, the club remain coy.
“We will await the results of the FA investigation has been concluded before deciding our next steps,” said Bruce Buck.
“The last things we want to do is have this club embroiled in an improper situation.”
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