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'Disgrace' ref Tom Henning Ovrebo returns to European fold
Tim Nichols15 Sep 2009
Controversial referee Tom Henning Ovrebo will resume officiating in the Champions League tonight just four months after Chelsea players blamed him for robbing them of a place in the final last season.
Ovrebo turned down four strong penalty appeals from Chelsea in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona, who went through on away goals after Andreas Iniesta's dramatic last-minute equaliser at Stamford Bridge.
The Norwegian was called a 'disgrace' by Didier Drogba and a 'thief' by Jose Bosingwa after the final whistle, which led to both players being suspended for three and two games respectively.
While the duo will miss Chelsea's first game of the tournament against Porto tonight, Ovrebo has suffered no punishment from Europe's governing body despite the widespread criticism of his performance in May.
The official, who has overseen 22 Champions League games, is back in action at the first opportunity and will be in charge of Juventus against Bordeaux in Turin tonight.
Officiating Chelsea's game at Stamford Bridge tonight will be Konrad Plautz, of Austria.
The 45-year-old referee, who took charge of his first Champions League game in 2000, has never dished out a straight red card in European football's top competition.
Reader views (10)
enough has been said that is true i esp agree with the fact that the body has finally succedded in bullying. I think we should get posters like the kickracism out we should get KICKFIFABULLIES out.
- Ronaldo, london, 16/09/2009 14:58
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Of course UEFA couldn't ditch him. That would be admission that he'd failed as a ref.
- Blue Baby, London, 15/09/2009 15:20
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God help the teams playing in any match refereed by this incompetent, inept and suspiciously motivated Norweigan. At least Chelsea won't have to put up with him again at anytime in the future. UEFA surely wouldn't be that arrogant or stupid....................or would they ?
- Charlie, Nr. Crackpot, North Yorkshire, 15/09/2009 14:40
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It's a disgrace. Note also how the FA plans for squad content follow neatly on from FIFA's ban on registering players thus preventing Chelsea from adjusting the balance via the transfer market.
- Pete, Wiltshire, 15/09/2009 13:17
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He's 45.
That means he's reached the mandatory retirement age of 45 for FIFA referees. How come he's still officiating Champions League games?
- Lamps, Mauritius, 15/09/2009 12:47
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The ref had a terrible game and clearly isn't up to handling games at this level.
- Mike M, Bedford England, 15/09/2009 12:03
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Obvious! Drogba & Jose are penalized. The Referee returns to the fold is also an obvious reason. There is no other option for all concern with the incidence.
- Superalf, Brunei, 15/09/2009 11:16
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Mr Blatter and Platini will do everything in their power to prevent Chelsea from reaching the final again!!!! Just like last year!!! Drog & Jose's suspension, 2 yr ban on new signings, now preventing loan player recalls......what next!. Blatter and Platini, you'll are bullies!
- Sauxboy, Gods Country, 15/09/2009 11:10
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How can this be right, the man or UEFA have never apologised for this so called professional’s inadequate performance. What makes this even more galling is that he was forced to apologise to the Italian FA after they were unfairly knocked out by his disastrous referring in the past.
But then what do UEFA / FIFA care after all it's only Chelsea who suffered.
- Ed Vigor, London / England, 15/09/2009 11:03
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A friend of Mr Blatter so of course he'll get games and probably the final!
- Tonyjohnson, Hythe Kent, 15/09/2009 10:24
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