Perdita
08-05-2009, 10:37
Tom Henning Ovrebo had to be smuggled out of the country yesterday and is in hiding after he received numerous internet death threats. One dedicated Facebook group called itself Kill Tom Henning Ovrebo, and the range of abuse on others included the threat: "We [are the] group dedicated to the hunt for [and brutal murdering of] the second-leg champions league ref of Chelsea v Barcelona."
Ovrebo, 42, a Norwegian, also had his alleged address in Oslo published on the internet. Chelsea are so concerned that the club made a statement condemning the threats. "Following media reports claiming threats have been made against the referee, Chelsea Football Club would like to make clear that it condemns any form of threat against players, officials or supporters," the club said.
"If provided with proper evidence Chelsea will take the strongest action against any season-ticket holders or members who have participated in this activity. However we would stress that we have received no evidence that Chelsea fans are involved in any of the alleged threats reported."
Ovrebo, a psychologist by profession, made a number of controversial decisions on the night which included turning down several penalty appeals from Guus Hiddink's team before they finally lost on the away goals rule to Andrés Iniesta's injury-time goal.
Following verbal attacks from Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack on the pitch, which continued in the tunnel, Ovrebo was escorted from the stadium before police decided to switch his hotel room.
The threats against Ovrebo's life were last night being investigated by police in Oslo. "We're watching closely what is being posted on the internet – anything we believe would threaten his personal safety will be taken seriously," a spokesman confirmed.
Uefa has also decided to prevent Ovrebo from speaking publicly about the game, after the referee admitted mistakes immediately following the end of the tie. "Because of the circumstances after the match, Uefa has asked us not to comment to the press," said Ovrebo, who was given the appointment a standard two days before the match, according to the governing body.
While Uefa says it will make no decision regarding any future matches Ovrebo might officiate in until their referee's report is reviewed, the Norway Football Federation were quick to offer support. "We respect that Chelsea would question some of the decisions. There were episodes that might be questioned, but all in all I think the leadership of the game was good," said Rune Pedersen, head of the federation's referees.
I agree that there were wrong decisions made by the ref in this game but I find it disgusting that he has to be smuggled out of the country because some idiots are threatening to kill him - if football was still a game and not big buck business, this would never have happened. :angry:
Ovrebo, 42, a Norwegian, also had his alleged address in Oslo published on the internet. Chelsea are so concerned that the club made a statement condemning the threats. "Following media reports claiming threats have been made against the referee, Chelsea Football Club would like to make clear that it condemns any form of threat against players, officials or supporters," the club said.
"If provided with proper evidence Chelsea will take the strongest action against any season-ticket holders or members who have participated in this activity. However we would stress that we have received no evidence that Chelsea fans are involved in any of the alleged threats reported."
Ovrebo, a psychologist by profession, made a number of controversial decisions on the night which included turning down several penalty appeals from Guus Hiddink's team before they finally lost on the away goals rule to Andrés Iniesta's injury-time goal.
Following verbal attacks from Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack on the pitch, which continued in the tunnel, Ovrebo was escorted from the stadium before police decided to switch his hotel room.
The threats against Ovrebo's life were last night being investigated by police in Oslo. "We're watching closely what is being posted on the internet – anything we believe would threaten his personal safety will be taken seriously," a spokesman confirmed.
Uefa has also decided to prevent Ovrebo from speaking publicly about the game, after the referee admitted mistakes immediately following the end of the tie. "Because of the circumstances after the match, Uefa has asked us not to comment to the press," said Ovrebo, who was given the appointment a standard two days before the match, according to the governing body.
While Uefa says it will make no decision regarding any future matches Ovrebo might officiate in until their referee's report is reviewed, the Norway Football Federation were quick to offer support. "We respect that Chelsea would question some of the decisions. There were episodes that might be questioned, but all in all I think the leadership of the game was good," said Rune Pedersen, head of the federation's referees.
I agree that there were wrong decisions made by the ref in this game but I find it disgusting that he has to be smuggled out of the country because some idiots are threatening to kill him - if football was still a game and not big buck business, this would never have happened. :angry: