Death Threats
Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 12:44 pmTom HenninTom Henning Ovrebo receives death threats after Chelsea-Barcelona draw
By staff writers
May 08, 2009 Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has received death threats following the controversial Chelsea-Barcelona UEFA Champions League match at Stamford Bridge on Thursday morning.
Police in Ovrebo's home city of Oslo have revealed that they are investigating death threats issued via the internet against the 42-year-old, who was the target of an angry outburst from Chelsea players at the end of the match.
"We are watching closely what is being posted on the internet," an Oslo police spokesperson said.
"Anything we believe would threaten his personal safety will be taken seriously."
Large crowds of media have descended on Ovrebo’s Oslo home as they wait for his return. Ovrebo was given a police escort and smuggled out of the London after the match, and he is likely to need similar protection when he arrives in Norway.
Chelsea condemned the death threats on their website, the club saying it would take "the strongest action" against season ticket holders or members who had been involved in threats towards Ovrebo.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who was at the centre of the Blues players’ angry outburst towards Ovrebo, has also issued an apology on the club's website.
Drogba faces potentially severe sanctions from UEFA over his conduct, which was aggravated by him screaming into a television camera that the official had been a "f---ing disgrace", forcing broadcasters to apologise to viewers watching the match live.
"I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted," Drogba said in a statement.
"I also 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 Spanish press, meanwhile, steered away from the refereeing controversy, saying that Barcelona deserved to progress to the final against Manchester United and that the result was thanks to "divine intervention".
Even AS, a pro-Real Madrid newspaper, declared "the best team went through" and that "Barcelona's footballing philosophy deserved it".
Spanish sports newspaper Marca lauded Andres Iniesta's injury-time goal, describing the midfielder as "the hero of London".
Marca even took aim at Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink, saying the result was payback for when Hiddink's South Korea team controversially ousted Spain at the 2002 World Cup.
"Hiddink has forgotten his' friends' in Korea" the headline read.
Font size: Increase font size Decrease font size Send this article: Print this article Email this article
Font size: Increase font size Decrease font size Send this article: Print this article Email this articleg recieving death threats after his poor performance in the Chelsea Barca match.
By staff writers
May 08, 2009 Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has received death threats following the controversial Chelsea-Barcelona UEFA Champions League match at Stamford Bridge on Thursday morning.
Police in Ovrebo's home city of Oslo have revealed that they are investigating death threats issued via the internet against the 42-year-old, who was the target of an angry outburst from Chelsea players at the end of the match.
"We are watching closely what is being posted on the internet," an Oslo police spokesperson said.
"Anything we believe would threaten his personal safety will be taken seriously."
Large crowds of media have descended on Ovrebo’s Oslo home as they wait for his return. Ovrebo was given a police escort and smuggled out of the London after the match, and he is likely to need similar protection when he arrives in Norway.
Chelsea condemned the death threats on their website, the club saying it would take "the strongest action" against season ticket holders or members who had been involved in threats towards Ovrebo.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who was at the centre of the Blues players’ angry outburst towards Ovrebo, has also issued an apology on the club's website.
Drogba faces potentially severe sanctions from UEFA over his conduct, which was aggravated by him screaming into a television camera that the official had been a "f---ing disgrace", forcing broadcasters to apologise to viewers watching the match live.
"I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted," Drogba said in a statement.
"I also 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 Spanish press, meanwhile, steered away from the refereeing controversy, saying that Barcelona deserved to progress to the final against Manchester United and that the result was thanks to "divine intervention".
Even AS, a pro-Real Madrid newspaper, declared "the best team went through" and that "Barcelona's footballing philosophy deserved it".
Spanish sports newspaper Marca lauded Andres Iniesta's injury-time goal, describing the midfielder as "the hero of London".
Marca even took aim at Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink, saying the result was payback for when Hiddink's South Korea team controversially ousted Spain at the 2002 World Cup.
"Hiddink has forgotten his' friends' in Korea" the headline read.
Font size: Increase font size Decrease font size Send this article: Print this article Email this article
Font size: Increase font size Decrease font size Send this article: Print this article Email this articleg recieving death threats after his poor performance in the Chelsea Barca match.
