Source: Telegraph
Chelsea v Barcelona: Didier Drogba says sorry but career under threat
There is anger at the striker's behaviour, with owner Roman Abramovich, who was at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, believed to be among those who were disappointed by Drogba's petulant actions. Chelsea admitted the events were 'regrettable' but still blamed referee Tom Henning Ovrebo. [LNB]Drogba and Michael Ballack now appear certain to face misconduct charges from Uefa after haranguing Ovrebo. There may be further charges for the club as several players, including captain John Terry and Frank Lampard, surrounded the referee at the final whistle. [LNB] Related ArticlesUefa dismisses 'conspiracy' against ChelseaGreat conspiracy theoriesDrogba's TV outburstRef's semi-final meltdownZola to Chelsea: Look forwardSpanish celebrate Iniesta 'miracle'Uefa's decision will be based on the contents of Ovrebo's official report, which they expected to receive on Thursday, and that of the match delegate. They will also take into account footage of the ugly scenes during which Drogba shouted into a camera, 'It's a ------- disgrace'. [LNB]The post-match debrief from Uefa has already warned Chelsea to expect the worst and they are steeling themselves for lengthy bans. Given that Drogba's future is already in doubt – he has 12 months left on his contract and at 31 may be sold – he could have played his last European match for Chelsea. [LNB]Ovrebo flew back to Norway knowing that his career as a top-flight referee was in tatters after a hapless performance which led to wild allegations of a Uefa-led conspiracy to prevent two Premier League clubs reaching the Rome final. [LNB]Jose Mourinho, Chelsea's former manager, told Telegraph Sport: 'These players deserve to be happy, almost European champions in the last five years, always something strange connected with the 'almost'. I am sad for them. But, of course, Manchester United and Barcelona will give the world a great final.'[LNB]Uefa's general secretary, David Taylor, reacted angrily to accusations of collusion. He said: 'If anything it's a media conspiracy against Uefa. It does make me angry. It really annoys me because it's a load of rubbish.'[LNB]There was genuine shock at Chelsea at Drogba's behaviour – not least because it detracted the attention away from the appalling, if hardly conspiratorial, performance of Ovrebo, who denied Chelsea two clear penalties. He also, however, wrongly, dismissed Barca defender Eric Abidal, who will now miss the final. [LNB]Last night Drogba, through Chelsea, issued a statement which read: 'I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept I overreacted. I also fully accept that the language I used did not set a good example for those watching at home, especially children. I regret that in the heat of the moment I let out my incredible frustration and disappointment in this way, and for that I apologise.'[LNB]In their own statement Chelsea acknowledged that matters went too far – but maintained it was Ovrebo's fault. It said: 'While it's clear that some of the events last night were regrettable, they occurred only because of the high emotions and frustrations which arose from the disappointment of a controversial defeat in such an important game.' [LNB]Drogba has denied claims, made by Italian television broadcasters in the tunnel, that he continued to abuse Ovrebo, although such was the threatening atmosphere that the official felt compelled to go back out on to the pitch. [LNB]Chelsea released an earlier statement after claims that Ovrebo had been the victim of death threats – thought to amount to one email being sent to Norway – from their fans. It read: 'If provided with proper evidence Chelsea will take the strongest action against any season-ticket holders or members who have participated in this activity.' [LNB]Although the Metropolitan Police said they had not received any complaints, police in Oslo confirmed that they were monitoring threats against Ovrebo as one internet site posted his home address. A police patrol has been placed outside his home. [LNB]Ovrebo did not speak in public on Thursday – after advice from Uefa – but is understood to have admitted to making mistakes. Uefa defended the choice of a referee from one of Europe's smaller leagues. He had officiated at 21 previous Champions League matches. [LNB]
