Uefa to rule on Blues antics

08 May 2009 10:43
Chelsea will discover next week if they or any of their players will face action from Uefa in the wake of their controversial UEFA Champions League semi-final exit to Barcelona.[LNB] Several Blues players, most notably Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and John Terry, confronted referee Tom Henning Ovrebo during the match and at the final whistle.[LNB]The home side, who crashed out on away goals after Andres Iniesta's injury-time leveller, were incensed after having four penalty appeals turned down by the Norwegian official.[LNB]Drogba has since issued an apology for his behaviour, which included a foul-mouthed outburst to the television cameras and a finger-jabbing rant towards the referee as he left the field.[LNB]Ballack chased, shouted and gesticulated wildly just inches from Ovrebo's face after his late spot-kick claim was waved away moments after Barcelona had levelled with his powerful shot striking Samuel Eto'o on the arm from close range as he turned his back on the ball.[LNB]Additional evidenceStamford Bridge coach Guus Hiddink defended his players after the match, insisting that they should be allowed to show their emotions, provided they did not make physical contact with the referee.[LNB]Uefa will now study the reports they have received from Ovrebo and the official match delegate but will not rely solely on those submissions before deciding whether to bring sanctions against the Premier League side. [LNB]Meanwhile, Barcelona have elected not to appeal against the red card received by Eric Abidal, which means he is certain to miss the final against Manchester United in Rome on 27th May.[LNB]A statement on Uefa's official website read: "With regard to the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona in London on Wednesday, UEFA has received both the referee's and delegate's report. [LNB]"UEFA is currently examining those reports, as well as gathering additional evidence. [LNB]"It will decide which action to take in the course of next week. No protest has been received with respect to the red card shown to FC Barcelona player Eric Abidal."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports