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Hiddink won't condemn Drogba

07 May 2009 - 08:04:01

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Guus Hiddink refused to condemn Didier Drogba after the seething Chelsea striker launched a scathing attack on referee Tom Henning Ovrebo following the Blues' Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

The livid Ivory Coast international branded the official a "disgrace" after Ovrebo turned down four penalty appeals by the Blues in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

After Andres Iniesta's stoppage-time strike sent Barca through to a Champions League Final against Manchester United later this month, Drogba ran on to the pitch to confront Ovrebo and was shown a yellow card.

He then shouted and swore into TV cameras and is likely to face action from UEFA.

However, Hiddink said: "I can fully understand in the emotion of the game, as long as they don't touch him (the referee), I can fully understand this disappointment.

"It's not just one decision in doubt but it is several not made decisions.

"I can fully understand and I protect my players for this when they have this emotion, just with loads of energy and adrenaline in their bodies."