08-09 Uefa Champions League

I agree..the manner in which the chelsea players confronted the referee was really disgraceful, and how Drogba completely loses his head at the end and gesturing in front of the camera was really unnecessary..I understand how the players felt, having penalty appeals turned away and etc but this shouldnt be happening. Barca also suffered from the ref becos of the Abidal sending off..now Barca has no first choice full backs against MU

I think UEFA made the wrong decision to get this ref from Norway, as mentioned by the commenter, the ref is not officiating high level games week in week out and to be choosen to officiate this impt semi final game might not be too appropriate as he proved he cant really handle it.

Agree with most of you on the way the Chelsea players reaction after the game. Drogba was definitely out of line with the way he reacted. The same goes for Ballack for harassing the referee in the later stage of the game where his shot "apparently" to struck the Barca player hands.

I would say that UEFA should throw the book on Drogba. After all he is top professional player he should conducted himself much better especially this game is broadcasted for the entire world to watch. Although I know there is high stake in this game it is not excuse to go out of line.

iswandi7 wrote:

No Abidal, Alves, Marquez. But United shouldn't be too cocky. Look at what Barca did to Chelsea. All they ever needed was a single shot on goal to end the tie.

Ian, so the white kit huh...any guess whats the embroidery colour would be like...still gold?

but the WCC patch kinda blend in with this white kit. Any chance Barca will be wearing their luminous yellow one while United wear blue...?

no chance.. they are the home team.. why should they wear anything else but their home kit


ballack's reaction was almost the same to keown's reaction to RVN when RVN miss his penalty. i agree with Ian that those players should be bad and fine. especially Drogba... what the hell is he tinking he was saying something to the camera as well... so lame

You could say that Drogba and Ballack may be out of line shouting at the ref, but you cannot fault them for being passionate. I won't blame United players if they were to do the same thing tbh.

UEFA can punish Drogba all they want, but I don't think Chelsea or Hiddink can say that they don't understand why he did what he did.

I would have done the exact same thing if I were in Drogba's shoes. See for yourselves.

Not that you can defend the actions of Drogba et al, but why did UEFA appoint this no mark referee for such an important game? Why not appoint a more illustrious one from Germany, France etc. Its not like their teams are involved in the SF stage here.

you cant harrass the referee even if they made a big mistake. its just wrong. i understand the emotion and passion.. but as the referee's decesion is disgracefull so was the actions of the chelsea players.

Man Utd vs barcelona - DREAM FINALE......

ROME HERE WE COME...................

I don't think I mentioned anywhere in my post that I said Drogba is right? He's definitely not right to harass the referee, but I'm just saying that I understand why he did that. People do stupid things when they're not thinking clearly. I dunno, I just feel for him.

It's in the heat of the moment, it's a very late goal and he was caught up in the swirl of the emotion. Take that into consideration when you're judging him, would you?

qsp1985 wrote:

you cant harrass the referee even if they made a big mistake. its just wrong. i understand the emotion and passion.. but as the referee's decesion is disgracefull so was the actions of the chelsea players.

No arguments but UEFA is partly responsible by choosing an inexperienced ref.

yup i agree the ref is crap and so not suitable for a big stage... that sums up platini regime..

i watch espn yerterday night and i understand chelsea player's feeling...i think the ref biased to towards them...even the commentator also feels dat chelsea should be given a penalty kick....

well,

THIS IS FOOTBALL

well said nick

The UCL final is not only about which club will win the trophy.
It will also decide who will become Europe's player of the year.
If Barca wins, Messi will be the one.
Likewise, if Man Utd wins, Ronaldo will be the one.
This is also because both clubs are much likely to win their respective domestic league.

Stil, this is no excuse. A shitte show by a referee in 1 of the most-watched and endeared competition in the world.

The true sense of Raferee Kayu.

LO79 wrote:

This is also because both clubs are much likely to win their respective domestic league.

well, i hope they choose the current best referee for the finals...

someone like collina (now retired)

also, in finals, luck is expected 2 play n important role

even the lst 2 finals united won, the rivals hit the crossbar & post

so hopefully united will get the rub of the green...

again... hehe

iniesta and henry is doubtfull.... good news for manutd

hey guys, after watching the highlights of barca agnst villareal.. eto is in superb condition, well not to mention alves freekick but he is not gona feature in uefa final. and today witness barca comeback from 1-0 down to win 4-1 in copa. yaya toure's individual skills.. another speechless. and xavi free kick from tight left angle so far barca is really the unstoppable in attack. deserved the double cups this season.. a 3rd mayb?

that's why the final is dubbed as the best attacking team (Barcelona) vs the best defensive team (MU) in the Champions League..

but in my opinion MU attacking is better than Barcelona defensive (after Alves & Abidal can't play, and Marquez got injured)

thats why those conspiracy theory pop out. But Alves is not much of a great defender but a much better attacking prospect. Marquez always a suspect for lapses while i think Barca will greatly miss Abidal.

Iniesta is their main man. He has been on such a great form since the euros. Stop him and almost half of Barca chances will be impotent. Messi can always go alone but if that day turns out not to be his, then Barca might as well concede defeat.

i think MU will field 5 midfielder (maybe Rooney as Left Winger.. again) to handle Barca's midfield...

since Fletcher won't be in the final, i think either Giggs or Scholes will replace him.. with Anderson & Carrick in the center area.

i hope JS Park will get his chance this season. If last season is SAF's hardest decision, then he wouldnt want to repeat that dilemma again

Park will start.. midfield will be Rooney carrick anderson giggs Park. striker Ronaldo. He definately earn his spot in the final.

If Barcelona use their new kit for UCL final, is it any possibility MU will using home shirt again for this 2009 final?

MU maybe can request to UEFA for use they home since there no color clash between both team Home shirt