Source: SKY_Sports
Bosingwa retracts 'thief' claim
Jose Bosingwa admits he regrets calling referee Tom Henning Ovrebo 'a thief' after Chelsea's UEFA Champions league exit to Barcelona.[LNB] Bosingwa was at the heart of Wednesday's post-match controversy as the Portuguese full-back joined team-mate Didier Drogba is labelling Ovrebo as a 'disgrace' for his officiating in the Blues' second-leg clash with Barca.[LNB]Guus Hiddink's side had four penalty appeals snubbed by the Norwegian official at Stamford Bridge before Andres Iniesta's stoppage-time equaliser saw the Catalan giants progress to the final of Europe's premier club competition on the away goals rule.[LNB]A series of furious outbursts ensued, including Bosingwa's rant, but the Chelsea man has now retracted his claims.[LNB]In a statement issued on behalf of the player to the Portuguese media, Bosingwa said: "We were all very disappointed and frustrated after the game, but I regret describing the referee as a thief. Having had some time to reflect I would like to withdraw those comments."[LNB]True GentlemanMeanwhile Barca coach Pep Guardiola has praised captain John Terry for his behaviour after Wednesday night's last-four defeat.[LNB]Despite being Terry's third semi-final exit in the competition the Blues and England skipper visited the Barcelona dressing room and shook hands with each member of their playing and coaching staff.[LNB]It was an act of sportsmanship for which the Barca team and staff applauded him out of the room.[LNB]"I want to thank John Terry for coming into the dressing room and congratulating us," said Guardiola. "He's a true gentleman."[LNB]
