John Mikel Obi talking to referee Mark Clattenburg

Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel insists he would have no problem with referee Mark Clattenburg taking charge of a Blues match in the future as he’s happy the issue has been laid to rest.

Mikel was subsequently handed a three-match ban by the Football Association for confronting Clattenburg after the game and now insists the matter needs to be consigned to the past.

Move on

Speaking from Japan where Chelsea are involved in the Club World Cup, Mikel disclosed that everything has been put to bed and that he and Clattenburg have moved on.

“Everything is put to bed and we have moved on. If he refereed a game at Stamford Bridge, there would certainly be no problem between us.

“Now it is done I am glad it is over. I am sure he is glad it is over as well, and the FA. We can move on from here,” Mikel remarked.

Call for concern

But the 25-year old midfielder does believe that the issue of racism in English football still needs to be addressed and feels that all parties should unite in an effort to eradicate the problem.

“It has been there for years. Hopefully everyone will work together - the players and the FA to make sure we try to stop things like that,” he concluded.