Today marks the 14th anniversary of one of the most controversial matches in Champions League history, on 6 May 2009, Chelsea and Barcelona met in the decisive second leg semi-final.
The evening started well for Chelsea, the team is aiming to compete for tickets to the Champions League final with Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Blues took the lead in the ninth minute when Michael Essien scored a spectacular first goal to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead.
This was followed by a series of appeals from the Chelsea players for the penalty which were indifferently dismissed by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.
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Barcelona defender Eric Abidal was sent off in the 65th minute, which made it even more difficult for Barcelona when Chelsea knew they only needed to score one more goal to equalize, because if they scored, Barcelona would win. thanks to the away goals rule. Ovrebo then gave up another penalty appeal after a clear handball from Gerard Pique, and everyone involved with Chelsea was furious.
Then came the extra time, and a Chelsea fan's worst nightmare came true when Andres Iniesta delivered one of the most famous goals in league history from a Lionel Messi cross.
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There was still time for the Norwegian referee to reverse the final penalty appeal when Michael Ballack's shot was blocked by Samuel Eto'o's arm, with the iconic clip of Ballack sending Ovrebo off the pitch. when shouting at him afterwards.
The scenes after that match were among the most famous in recent history, as a red mist fell over the Chelsea players.
Didier Drogba's famous outburst still resonates in the minds of Chelsea fans today, as he shouts into the TV cameras:
"What a pity! What a shame!
Drogba and Bosingwa were banned for their comments about the referee, while Chelsea were fined for "inappropriate behavior by the players and their fans launching rockets".
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Chelsea manager at the time, Guus Hiddink, also said his team had been "robbed" and called the result "unfair". Barcelona won and won the 2009 Champions League (Credit:
PA image)
Tom Henning Ovrebo told Panenka magazine 10 years after the incident that:
“I wanted VAR help that day.
“After the first half, me and the assistants felt we were in control of the game. However, at the end of the game, I don't have that feeling. When I get to the dressing room, I think:
"Okay, Tom Henning, it wasn't your best night."
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He also added:
“I have to admit that my heart is boiling. It was in the dressing room that I realized how controversial things had become.
“In the space of two hours, I went from being a fairly respected referee to being the dumbest person in international football.
"(The death threats) came out of frustration at not winning this game and my performance, rather than a desire to actually kill me and my family."
Ovrebo spoke to the Daily Mail more recently, when last week he revealed his thoughts on turning down numerous penalty offers from Chelsea.
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"I don't think the Chelsea supporters were right when they asked for four out of five penalties, but I think anyone who knows football and the rules of football knows there should be a penalty.
"That happened, especially before there was VAR. Sometimes you miss a penalty, sometimes you miss a red card or an important decision. And I think anyone who knows football knows there should have been a penalty.
"They can speculate for themselves which one should have been a penalty.
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