Drogba says sorry

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The striker confronted referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the match and launched a foul-mouthed rant in front of TV cameras.

In a statement on the Blues' official website the Ivorian said: "I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted."

The statement continued: "I also 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."

Drogba, who had been substituted in the second half, was shown a yellow card for coming onto the pitch to vent his fury at Ovrebo after the final whistle.

He was incensed at the referee's refusal to award Chelsea two spot-kicks in the first half at Stamford Bridge when he and Florent Malouda were brought down.

The Norwegian official also rejected two handball penalty appeals after the break when Gerard Pique handled as Nicolas Anelka tried to go past him and in the final seconds when Michael Ballack's shot hit Samuel Eto'o's arm.

That last claim came after Andres Iniesta had lashed home a 93rd-minute leveller for Barcelona to cancel out Michael Essien's opener and put the Catalans ahead on away goals.