Drogs says "sorry" for TV rant
Last updated : 08 May 2009 By Paul Lagan
Didier Drogba's belated apology for his TV rant and verbal abuse of referee Tom Henning Ovrebo won't save him from a UEFA rap today and could see the Blues dumped out of Europe next season.
Drogba went ballistic, jumping off the bench and to lambast Ovrebo for his extraordinary performance which saw him turn down four Chelsea penalties. The result of which left Barcelona's injury time equaliser see the Catalan giants head off to Rome for the Champions League final in two weeks' time.
Drogba hurled obscenities at the ref and looked straight into the TV cameras and let fly with a volley of abuse.
Chelsea issued their own statement first in regard to so-called death threats being issues on the internet against Ovrebo.
Obviously Chelsea-Mad would never allow such comment to appear on this family-friendly site.
However when the obvious gravity of the Drogba situation became apparent at Chelsea HQ, both Drogba and Chelsea issued statements.
Drogba's in full is as follows: "I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted.
"I also fully 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."
In a comment, running along a similar vein, Chelsea said: "Chelsea welcomes Didier's statement today which was made honestly and after reflection. We are all acutely aware of the responsibilities that lie with both the club and its players towards setting a good example as role models.
"While it is clear that some of the events last night were regrettable, they occurred only because of the high emotions and frustrations which arose from the disappointment of a controversial defeat in such an important game.
"We made representations to UEFA immediately after the game and we await their comments following a review of the match officials' report."
These statements, while worthy and a fair and a consistent reflection of Chelsea's stance when dealing with antisocial behaviour, is also an attempt to head off potential action from UEFA.
However, here at Chelsea-Mad, we expect the European governing body for football to sanction both Drogba and Chelsea.
The wheels will be set in motion today and the result could see Drogba suspended for three matches in Europe and Chelsea either fined or banned from European competition for a season.
The latter, will be challenged of course.
