Rio Ferdinand has reminded the Football Association that football is "under the microscope" as the governing body decides whether to charge Mark Clattenburg following Chelsea's claims that he used "inappropriate" language towards Mikel John Obi and Juan Mata.

While the claims against the referee included an alleged "racial slur" against Mikel during Manchester United's 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Ferdinand had led the protests the previous weekend regarding how the FA had dealt with the case involving John Terry and Rio's brother, Anton.

In a tweet the United defender wrote: "Will b interesting t see how this alleged 'race' or 'insulting' language episode pans out, our game is under the microscope like never before".

Manchester United play Chelsea again on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup.