Guus Hiddink has vowed to stand by Didier Drogba following his angry outburst at the referee following Chelsea’s Champions League semi final defeat by Barcelona.
Drogba angrily confronted Tom Henning Ovrebo at the final whistle and also swore in front of TV cameras.
Ovrebo had earlier dismissed Chelsea’s claims for at least 4 penalties before Andres Iniesta sent the Spaniards through with a goal in injury time.
The Norwegian official rejected two penalties in the first half when Florent Malouda and Drogba were hauled down and then he then missed two clear handball offences in the second half.
Uefa are expected to investigate Drogba’s behaviour and the striker could find himself facing a lengthy ban, but Hiddink insists he will stand by the striker saying:
Of course I can fully understand his reaction – full of adrenaline and emotion.
People say he should be in control. The moment a player starts hitting then he is going beyond where he should go.
I can understand his emotion and his behaviour after the game. I will protect that.
