Chelsea fans threaten to kill referee

According to various reports in the British press, the referee from the Champions League semi-final second leg between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday has been smuggled out of England after receiving death threats.

Tom Henning Ovrebo was confronted by several Blues players, most notably Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack, following the game after the west London club were dumped out of the competition thanks to a late Andres Iniesta equaliser which sent La Blaugrana through on away goals.

Having failed to award Chelsea a penalty during the match, of which there were around three or four separate claims, the Norwegian has apparently become a target of a hate campaign from the club's supporters.

Fearing for his safety, it is said that police changed Ovrebo's hotel before finally smuggling him out of the country.
Police in the 42-year-old's home city, Oslo, have revealed that they are investigating death threats issued via the internet.
An Oslo police spokesperson said, "We are watching closely what is being posted on the internet. Anything we believe would threaten his personal safety will be taken seriously."
Meanwhile, former international referee Graham Poll has had his say on the matter.
"This morning he's being smuggled out of our country under police escort - this is a referee of a football match. That is a disgrace," Poll told Radio 4.

"When he booked in a hotel they had to change the hotel he was staying at because of the fear that maybe fans would find him. When you see players acting like that, fans are called fans because they are fanatics - they may feel it's time to take action themselves."
Meanwhile, Didier Drogba has issued the following statement on Chelsea's official Web site this evening, as an apology for his conduct last night in the wake of his side's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

The Blues were left extremely frustrated after Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo turned down four convincing penalty appeals, leading to many players, most prominent amongst whom was Drogba, berating the official after the match. The incensed striker also swore directly to a television camera which was broadcasting live.
His statement reads: "I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted.

"I also fully 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."
The club themselves have issued an additional statement, confirming that they back the striker's apology, and are themselves remorseful about the situation, although they will be raising the issue of the referee's performance during the game with UEFA.

The club statement reads: "Chelsea welcomes Didier's statement today which was made honestly and after reflection. We are all acutely aware of the responsibilities that lie with both the club and their players towards setting a good example as role models.

"While it is clear that some of the events last night were regrettable, they occurred only because of the high emotions and frustrations which arose from the disappointment of a controversial defeat in such an important game. We made representations to UEFA immediately after the game and we await their comments following a review of the match officials' report."