The Rational Ref | Bad behaviour on the pitch deserves zero tolerance

What exactly is "inappropriate language"? Players, coaches and supporters have difficulty defining this but match officials know the answer. It's their job to know.

In law, players are sent off for what match officials term "Offinabus" - that is, using offensive, insulting and abusive language and/or gestures. Since match officials are taught where to draw the line, it stands to reason they would not jeopardise their own credibility by using the very words and gestures they are trained to deal with when confronted by foul-mouthed players.

This is why the controversial case of Chelsea accusing EPL referee Mark Clattenburg of using racist and inappropriate language against some of their players is astonishing and absurd. This does not mean it didn't happen, but until the case is concluded the allegations will remain unconvincing.

Unfortunately, this has not prevented Clattenburg's image from being sullied. Due to the intense media spotlight, he has also been stood down from EPL matches.

The mitigating circumstances surrounding Chelsea's complaint against Clattenburg are two-fold.

First, Chelsea lost the match against Manchester United. It has become routine in soccer for the defeated team to be sore losers.

Second, the Chelsea player making the accusation apparently did not hear the alleged insult directly. Nigerian John Obi Mikel was told by his teammates, Spaniard Juan Mata and Brazilian Ramires, that they heard Clattenburg insulting him.