sport news Referee Tom Henning Ovrebo opens up on controversial Chelsea vs Barcelona ...

Former referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has discussed the night that saw him become 'the biggest fool in international football' when he officiated one of the most controversial Champions League matches of all-time between Barcelona and Chelsea a decade ago.

Barcelona won the second leg of their semi-final tie with the Blues on away goals thanks to a late strike by Andres Iniesta, but the match will always be remembered for Ovrebo's appalling officiating. 

The Norwegian official failed to award four penalties and a red card in Chelsea's favour at Stamford Bridge, which ultimately ended the Blues' European hopes while staining the official's career.

And speaking in a candid interview with Panenka magazine ten years on from that infamous night, Ovrebo recalled how he and his team required a police escort to leave the country, while lamenting the fact VAR was not available at the time.

'I wish I had the help of the VAR that day,' said Ovrebo. 

'After the first half, my assistants and I felt that we had control. At the end of the match, however, I did not have that feeling. When I got to the dressing room I thought: 'Okay, Tom Henning, this has not been your best night'.'

A catalogue of errors led to heated scenes at full time, where Chelsea players surrounded the official and an enraged Didier Drogba shouted to television cameras that the match had been a 'disgrace, a f****** disgrace'.

Chelsea took an early lead through Michael Essien, who rifled home a volley from distance, before the controversy started and Ovrebo lost control of the match.