In a memorable night filled with intense drama at Stamford Bridge on May 6, 2009, Chelsea experienced frustration as referee Tom Henning Ovrebo dismissed four penalty appeals during a gripping Champions League semi-final second-leg clash with Barcelona.
Chelsea penalty claims
Ovrebo determined that Dani Alves’ foul on Florent Malouda occurred outside the penalty area, and he missed Eric Abidal’s subsequent pull on Drogba.
Additionally, Ovrebo failed to notice two handball incidents: the first involving Gerard Pique and the second involving Samuel Eto’o.
The latter handball occurred in the dying moments, mere seconds after Andres Iniesta’s spectacular goal leveled the score 1-1 on the night, propelling eventual champions Barcelona to the Champions League final against Manchester United, as a result of the away goal rule.
Ovrebo’s officiating was tagged as the worst ever to have been witnessed in the UEFA Champions League, a narrative that has been passed on for years by football lovers, especially the Chelsea faithful.
Video compilation surfaces nullifying robbery claims
However, a video compilation, in a bid to negate the narrative, has surfaced, showing clips of obvious decisions that did not go Barcelona’s way either.
The video posted on X, is with the caption, “If you ever feel stupid, just remember that there are people who still think Barcelona robbed Chelsea in 2009.”
Watch compilation:
If you ever feel stupid just remember that there are people who still think Barcelona robbed Chelsea in 2009.
pic.twitter.com/TEKLgU4ax4 https://t.co/GKZlvtddr0
— Max Stéph (@maxstephh) March 19, 2024
Meanwhile, Sports Buddy reported that former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, in the recent quarterfinal draw, made a surprising choice when asked about the team he wants in the UEFA Champions League final.