Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel makes peace with referee Mark Clattenburg

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel insists he would have no problem with referee Mark Clattenburg taking charge of a Blues match in the future.

The official was cleared of allegations he used inappropriate language towards the Nigeria international during the Premier League clash with Manchester United back in October.

Mikel was subsequently handed a three-match ban by the Football Association for confronting Clattenburg after the game and now insists the matter needs to be consigned to the past.

Speaking from Japan where Chelsea are involved in the Club World Cup, Mikel said: "Everything is put to bed, we move on. If he refereed a game there would certainly be no problem.

"Now it is done, I am glad it is over. I am sure he is glad it is over as well, and the FA. We can move on from here."

But Mikel does believe that the issue of racism in English football still needs to be addressed and feels that all parties should unite in an effort to eradicate the problem.

He added: "It has been there for years. Hopefully everyone will work together - the players and the FA - to make sure we try to stop things like that."