Who Was the Referee for Chelsea vs Barcelona 2009?

By Anna Duncan

Football is a game that has been loved and followed by millions of people around the world for decades. It is a game that has created legends, rivalries, and unforgettable moments.

One such moment occurred during the UEFA Champions League semi-final match between Chelsea and Barcelona in 2009. In this article, we will discuss the referee who oversaw this iconic match.

The Match

The match between Chelsea and Barcelona took place on the 28th of April 2009 at Stamford Bridge in London. It was a heated affair as both teams battled it out for a place in the final. The first leg of the semi-final had ended in a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou, which meant that everything was to play for in this second leg.

The Referee

The man tasked with overseeing this crucial match was Tom Henning Øvrebø from Norway. He was a seasoned referee who had been officiating football matches since 1994. He had previously overseen several high-profile matches, including the UEFA Cup final in 2004.

Controversy Strikes

The match started off well with both teams playing hard but fair. However, as the game progressed, controversy struck.

In the 26th minute of the game, Didier Drogba scored for Chelsea to give them a much-needed lead. However, moments later Barcelona equalized through Andrés Iniesta.

As the game wore on, tensions rose between both teams and their respective fans. The referee found himself at the center of attention as he made several contentious decisions that angered Chelsea players and fans alike.

In one instance, Øvrebø turned down four penalty appeals from Chelsea players within minutes of each other, which led to frustration boiling over among Chelsea players and their manager Guus Hiddink.

The Aftermath

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, which meant that Barcelona progressed to the final on the away goals rule. The result was met with widespread controversy and anger from Chelsea fans, who felt that they had been denied a place in the final due to poor refereeing.

In the aftermath of the match, Øvrebø received death threats from angry fans, which led to him being placed under police protection. He later stated that he had made mistakes during the game but had done his best to remain impartial.

Conclusion

Tom Henning Øvrebø will forever be remembered as the referee who oversaw one of the most controversial matches in Champions League history. While his decisions may have angered fans and players alike, it is important to remember that referees are only human and can make mistakes. As football fans, we should always strive to support our teams while respecting the officials who oversee these matches.