Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
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Hiddink calls for leniency

08 May 2009 - 15:52:59

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Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink hopes UEFA do not punish Didier Drogba too severely following the striker's behaviour after the midweek Champions League clash with Barcelona.

The Ivory Coast international verbally abused Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the 1-1 draw which led to the Blues losing the semi-final on the away goals rule.

Chelsea were incensed with the official's display believing he robbed them of up to four penalties.

UEFA will announce Drogba's punishment on Monday, but Hiddink is hoping for the best, saying: "They have to take into consideration the power of emotion.

"It's up to them but, when he's apologised, then it's the first step made. I don't regret saying that I would protect him.

"If you lose in the normal way you can just be sad but the way we were eliminated was the cause of this reaction.

"We have talked about this and he shouldn't have reacted the way he did. It is up to me and the board whether we punish him, but I don't think we will because apologising is a big step forward and we have to go on."

UEFA had earlier said: "We are currently examining the referee's and delegate's report, as well as gathering additional evidence. We will decide which action to take in the course of next week."