Ovrebo speaks out about controversial decisions Chelsea game in 2009
Tom Henning Ovrebo, the referee who took charge of the 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Barcelona in 2009 has spoken about his performance that night.
The game will be remembered not for the standard of football, but for the level of officiating on the night. Ovrebo told Marca his version of events.
It was not my best day, really. But those mistakes can be committed by a referee … and sometimes a player or a coach. Some days you’re not at the level you should be. But no, I can’t be proud of that performance.
There were several errors and everyone will have their opinion of those plays. But, I insist, the players and the coaches also fail, and nothing happens.
I am proud of having had a long career and having been in the European elite for a while, and among the best in my country at least. That’s why you can’t remember me or my career just for that game.
Chelsea were left distraught and bemused after not being awarded what looked like four clear penalties.
The first of the four came when Dani Alves held up Florent Malouda. The winger had beaten the Brazilian out wide and was brought down as he tried to make his way into the box.
The second, one of the more famously remembered incidents, came when Eric Abidal brought down Didier Drogba, who was visibly incensed on the night.
Gerard Pique was the next who was lucky avoid caution when he handled the ball when Nicolas Anelka attempted to flick the ball past him inside the box, Ovrebo remained unconvinced.
Speaking after the game, Pique later confirmed that the ball did indeed touch his hand.
The fourth and perhaps the most famous came when Michael Ballack connected with a volley from a corner, only for Samuel Eto’o to turn his back to the ball and block the effort with his arm.
The German midfielder was seen frantically chasing Ovrebo up the pitch following his inability to give a penalty.
Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta scored a late goal at the Bridge to deny Chelsea a place in the final against Manchester United.