Ex-Referee, Mark Clattenburg Reveals Mikel Obi’s allegation that made contemplate suicide

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has opened up about the darkest period of his career, revealing that he contemplated suicide after being accused of making racist remarks towards former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi during a 2012 match against Manchester United.

Clattenburg, speaking candidly, said the emotional toll of the allegation nearly pushed him to end his life — and that it was the presence of his infant daughter that ultimately saved him.

“The Obi Mikel situation affected me a lot — and affected my family a lot,” he said. “I think that was the closest I’ve ever been to, a, suicide and, b, finishing [refereeing].”

The incident sparked major controversy at the time, prompting investigations by both the Football Association (FA) and the Metropolitan Police. Clattenburg was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, with both probes dropped.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Clattenburg said he felt cornered and feared the long-term impact of the allegations on his personal and professional life.

“If I’m a racist, I’m not going to get a job in normal life. I’m not going to get a job in sport. My life’s finished,” he said. “So the consequences of my actions left us in a position where I’m thinking, ‘I’ve got nowhere to go.’”

He added, “My family was there, but they don’t know what really goes on. They don’t really know what happens inside the world of football.”

Clattenburg later resumed his refereeing career and went on to officiate major international fixtures, including the UEFA Euro 2016 final and the UEFA Champions League final the same year.