Hiddink makes UEFA claim - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Hiddink makes UEFA claim

Chelsea's interim coach Guus Hiddink believes UEFA are "happy" this season's Champions League final is not another all-English contest.

The Dutch coach also admitted he still feels "anger and injustice" over their controversial exit to Barcelona in the semi-final.

"It is difficult to talk about conspiracy if you have no proof," said Hiddink whilst taking questions from fans on Chelsea TV. "I am rather human as well and I think UEFA, they will not say it, were very happy there was not an all-English final for the second consecutive time."

Europe's governing body charged Chelsea with the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by fans amid shocking scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Striker Didier Drogba and full-back Jose Bosingwa were also accused of insulting the referee and making offensive remarks.

Drogba's foul-mouthed television rant and furious confrontation with Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo at the end of the game could land him with a lengthy ban.

Ovrebo rejected four penalty appeals as the Blues crashed out on away goals after a 1-1 draw and Chelsea's players protested angrily when the official brought the game to its conclusion.

The club, if found guilty, may also be slapped with a massive fine or, in the worst case scenario, be ordered to play some European games behind closed doors. However, it is unlikely they will be banned from next season's competition.

Hiddink added: "First of all we should have scored more goals in the home game but besides that I feel the anger and the injustice.

"This was not an inexperienced referee. He had some problems in the past but he was not inexperienced. I do not know what happened that night. I think he had a total blackout that evening. It was not his first big game but it was amazing how he did not react."

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