Former English Premier League referee, Mark Clattenburg has opened up on an incident during his time where ex-Chelsea player Mikel Obi threatened to break his legs.
The revelation comes after the recent conversation on the need for referees to be given more protection.
The issue has become topical after an incident involving Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and referee Kavanagh.
Speaking to Daily Mail, Mark Clattenburg said he experienced worse during his time in the English Premier League.
“Chelsea’s John Mikel Obi once swung at me in the referee’s room at Stamford Bridge.
“He screamed he wanted to break my legs and was being held back by Roberto Di Matteo and Eddie Newton.
“In the end, Mikel only received a three-match ban for that incident.
“I thought, ‘Are the FA taking the p***? He should be banned for the rest of the season, if not more,” Mark Clattenburg said.
The retired referee added, “Mitrovic was not as aggressive as Mikel, but he got physical with Kavanagh. The FA may now use him to set an example for others.
“Referees need to be respected at the highest level because if they are not, that impacts what happens at the lowest level.”
Mikel Obi spent years at Chelsea and was a teammate of retired Black Stars midfield hero Michael Essien.