Penalty appeals waved away angered Chelsea during infamous Champions League match against Barcelona.

Chelsea were fined £85k, while Drogba and Boswinga were punished for behavior after match.

Ovrebo, who now lives a very different life, looks back on refereeing career with fond memories despite criticism.

May 6, 2025, marks the 16th anniversary of Tom Henning Ovrebo’s infamous refereeing display during the 2008-09 Champions League semi-final second leg clash between Chelsea and Barcelona.

The Norwegian match official’s reputation and career as a top-level ref was left in tatters following that ill-fated evening at Stamford Bridge. Mention Ovrebo’s name and Chelsea fans will still break out in a cold sweat all these years later.

The night began so well for Chelsea, who were aiming to make back-to-back Champions League finals against Manchester United. The 2008 finalists took the lead in the ninth minute through a sensational Michael Essien goal but then had a series of penalty appeals waved away by Ovrebo.

Eric Abidal was sent off with 25 minutes left to play, making Barca’s task for the night even harder, and Chelsea knew that one more goal would kill the tie. When Ovrebo waved away another penalty appeal following a clear handball inside the box by Gerard Pique, everyone associated with Chelsea was left fuming.