Ref Ovrebo confesses he will not become a Monk to forget THAT Chelsea game

29 December 2009 12:40
Controversial referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has laughed off claims he is to become a monk to escape the memory of being harangued by Chelsea players after last season's Champions' League semi-final at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]Holy moly: Tom Henning Ovrebo insists he has no plans to become a Monk[LNB]Spanish newspaper AS quoted him on Monday as saying he was turning his back on football and heading for a monastery after being haunted by the furore over his refusal to award Chelsea at least two penalties in their defeat by Barcelona.[LNB]They even carried a photograph of him in monk's robes alongside an apparently heartfelt account of how he had been unable to clear his mind of troubling images of Michael Ballack screaming in his face.[LNB]But, as the 'revelations' began to attract worldwide media attention, the Madrid-based paper came clean and admitted their so-called interview and picture were both a hoax.[LNB]Ovrebo at least saw the funny side after being informed that, in Spain, December 28 is the equivalent of April 1in other countries, with pranks being the order of the day.[LNB]Speaking to Norwegian paper VG, Ovrebo, who had to be smuggled out of England by police after receiving death threats in the wake of Chelsea's defeat, said: 'I can confirm that I have no plans to become a monk, a friar or anything of the sort. [LNB] Spot of both Michael Ballack infamously harangued Ovrebo for not being awarded a penalty in the Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona last season[LNB]'I consider myself a peaceful soul, and I am sure I can continue that way without having to take up residence in a monastery.[LNB]'When I saw the story and realised why they had done it, I couldn't help smiling. I can see the humour in it, and it is no problem. I can assure you, as well, that I have no plans to retire from refereeing.'[LNB]  Champions League ref Ovrebo vows to soldier on despite Chelsea controversyChelsea's calamity ref has been ditched by FIFA before - 10 things you didn't know about Norwegian official Ovrebo Graham Poll: Ovrebo has been hounded just like a criminal...for £5,000CHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail