Mark Clattenburg will not referee a match for a second weekend running as he prepares to answer accusations from Chelsea.

Mike Riley, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, said: “PGMOL was fully prepared to appoint Mark to matches this weekend.

“However, having discussed this with him, we both consider that it is in Mark’s best interests that he has this week away from officiating duties while he prepares to help The FA and police with their enquiries.”

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man has been arrested over an allegation that a racist gesture was made to a footballer during a Chelsea match against Manchester United.

The man was arrested yesterday afternoon after attending a west London police station by appointment, Scotland Yard said.