Drogba risks ban

LONDON: Didier Drogba could be facing a lengthy ban from European football after angrily confronting Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo at the end of Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final second leg match with Barcelona on Wednesday. A stoppage time goal from Andres Iniesta earned Barca a 1-1 draw and on aggregate sent the Catalans into a final meeting with Manchester United at the end of this month on the away goals rule. Chelsea had legitimate grounds for complaint after being denied at least two good penalty appeals by the referee but that will not be regarded as any excuse by UEFA when they come to judge Drogba’s conduct.

Ovrebo had to be escorted from the pitch by a platoon of stewards with Drogba apparently bent on a physical confrontation. To compound his intimidating behaviour, the Ivory Coast international then turned to a television camera and screamed into it, describing the official as a “f****** disgrace.” Chelsea are also likely to be in hot water with UEFA after infuriated fans threw flags at the officials and the Barcelona bench on the final whistle.