Mark Clattenburg: Factfile of the referee accused of racial abuse

Referee Mark Clattenburg (GETTY IMAGES)

Mark Clattenburg has been accused of using 'inappropriate language' during the match between Chelsea and Manchester United. Here, we take a closer look at the referee.

1975: Born March 13 in Consett, County Durham.

2000: August - Takes charge of his first Football League match between Chesterfield and York aged just 25.

2004: Promoted to the Premier League's Select Group and referees his first top-flight game between Crystal Palace and Everton.

2005: January - Fails, along with his assistants, to spot Tottenham midfielder Pedro Mendes' shot had been fumbled over the line by Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll in a match at Old Trafford.

2006: Becomes a FIFA referee.

2007: October - Sends off Everton's Tony Hibbert in a Merseyside derby after initially appearing to be about to show him a yellow card only to change his mind and pull out a red after a brief exchange with Steven Gerrard. He later did not send off Dirk Kuyt for a two-footed lunge at Phil Neville. Clattenburg did not referee another Everton match until 2012.

2008: August 6 - Suspended pending a probe into his business affairs following allegations he owed £60,000 as a result of a failed venture. Pulled out of the FA Community Shield clash between Manchester United and Portsmouth as a result and later sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials board.

2009: February - Reinstated as a Select Group Referee on appeal, but suspended for eight months from August 6, 2008, for "issues relating to his private business affairs".

December - It is alleged, in a match between Bolton and Manchester City, that he asked the City bench: "How do you work with Craig Bellamy all week?" Sends Bellamy off for two yellow cards in the game.

2010: October - Correctly, if controversially, allows a goal to stand between Manchester United and Tottenham when Nani tapped the ball in after Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes put the ball down, believing his side had a free-kick. Clattenburg had not blown his whistle.

2012: February - Referees the League Cup final between Liverpool and Cardiff.

August - Takes charge of the Olympic men's football final between Brazil and Mexico at Wembley.

October 28 - Accused of using "inappropriate language" toward two Chelsea players during their defeat to Manchester United in a formal complaint by the club to the Premier League.

PA