Roberto Mancini has questioned Mark Clattenburg for reporting the comments of Gareth Barry that led to the midfielder accepting a Football Association charge of using abusive and or insulting words to an official, which invoked a one-match ban and a £8,000 fine.

The incident occurred at the end of Manchester City’s 3-2 derby defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, when Barry shouted at Clattenburg from near the touchline. But Mancini said: “Gareth is a serious man, a serious player and I don’t know why Clattenburg brought or said these things about Gareth.

“I don’t know if it’s because he came from this problem after Chelsea but I think every referee or fourth official should understand that after one game you lose in the last second, if a player says inappropriate words they should understand this.”

Clattenburg was involved in controversy when he was wrongly accused by Chelsea of racially abusing Mikel John Obi during Manchester United’s 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge in late October, though why Mancini referenced this is unclear.

Asked if he was surprised that Clattenburg was willing to get involved in the Barry incident following his experience with Chelsea, the Italian said: “Maybe. I don’t know if he said those words against Chelsea players. They decide no but this is another situation. Gareth is a serious guy.

“He said he didn’t say anything about – he doesn’t remember [what he said to Clattenburg], it’s difficult to remember. Also if he said inappropriate words against Clattenburg he should understand this.

“This has come from Clattenburg – he should understand the situation, this is my opinion, but at the moment he doesn’t understand.

“He said Barry said to him, I don’t know what, but I think there are some moments when they should understand the situation.”

While the Professional Game and Match Officials Board declined to comment on Mancini’s stance, it was understood that Barry feels that he was provoked by Clattenburg.