Chelsea FC

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Bosingwa retracts thief claim

08 May 2009 - 07:42:32

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Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa has admitted he regrets calling referee Tom Henning Ovrebo 'a thief' following their Champions League exit to Barcelona.

Bosingwa was one of a number of Blues players unhappy with the performance of the Norwegian official during and after the 1-1 semi-final second leg draw which saw Barcelona progress on the away goals rule.

Ovrebo turned down four penalty appeals and immediately after the match, Bosingwa was scathing in his criticism.

However, the Portugal defender has now retracted his initial angry claim which could still land him in hot water with UEFA.

"We were all very disappointed and frustrated after the game, but I regret describing the referee as a thief," he said in a statement.

"Having had some time to reflect I would like to withdraw those comments."