Reports that either John Terry or Mark Clattenburg may have mellowed since their Premier League days appear greatly exaggerated.
The pair both formed a reputation for refusing to back down during their time in the top flight — Terry as the iconic captain of all-conquering Chelsea and Clattenburg as the top referee of his day.
They clashed numerous times during the peak of their careers and they were at it again on Monday in the Baller League at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Terry’s 26ers kicked off the evening action with an enthralling 3-3 draw that saw them concede a late equaliser to RTW’s Erghis Pepy as the two share the spoils — and their first point of the campaign.
But the former England captain’s ire was turned towards Clattenburg as he unleashed expletives before exclaiming at the official ‘I’m doing your job’.
The clash was sparked when former Manchester United player Josh Harrop put in a horror tackle to stop the 26ers’ Sak Hassan from making a break on the left flank.
John Terry (left) clashes with Mark Clattenburg towards the end of 26ers Baller League match
The former Chelsea captain chose not to use his referee challenge despite his fury
The lusty challenge led to a mini brawl on the pitch as players from both sides came together. Just minutes later, Terry hit out at match referee Clattenburg over what appears to be a decision involving the 26ers having to drop the ball and give their opponent possession.
As per the rules of the Baller League, Terry and opposition manager and internet personality Clint 419 can use one referee challenge during the match, but ultimately the former England captain opted against using it on this occasion.
It is far from the first time that Terry and Clattenburg have crossed swords.
In 2012, Premier League referee Clattenburg was accused by Chelsea of racially abusing John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata following a 3-2 defeat by Manchester United.
He had sent off two Chelsea players — Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres — and the officials missed an offside for United’s winning goal.
In 2021, Clattenburg revealed in his autobiography Whistle Blower that he believed Chelsea’s accusations could have been in retaliation for Terry’s suspension.
Mark Clattenburg was accused by Chelsea of racially abusing John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata
Referee Clattenburg shows a red card to Terry after his foul on West Brom forward Rondon
The FA had found Terry guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand on the ‘balance of probability’ earlier that year.
Clattenburg also showed the centre back a straight red card during Chelsea’s 2015 3-2 victory at West Brom.
Terry pulled back Solomon Rondon just outside the box with the West Brom player bearing down on goal.
Terry took his time leaving the pitch, spending time remonstrating with Clattenburg before finally heading to the tunnel.
It seems old habits die hard.