Uefa calls Monday meeting to discuss semi-final issues
Didier Drogba may be charged with misconduct by Uefa on Monday
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Friday, 08, May 2009 10:32
European football's governing body Uefa has called a wide-ranging meeting on Monday to discuss the issues arising out of this week's controversial Champions League semi-finals.
The headline topic for the meeting will be to discuss the actions of Chelsea players towards referee Tom Henning Ovrebo in their last-four second leg against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.
Several senior stars, most notably midfielder Michael Ballack and captain John Terry, confronted the official after he turned down the Blues' late penalty appeals in their 1-1 draw - after he had rejected at least three other good claims for spot-kicks during the game.
Ballack chased the referee almost 40 yards, gesticulating wildly in Ovrebo's face, after he ruled Samuel Eto'o had not handballed the German international's shot.
However, striker Didier Drogba looks most likely to face Uefa's wrath after he swore directly into a TV camera live on air at the final whistle and appeared to threaten the referee as he left the field of play.
Uefa said it had received reports from the referee and its own delegate and is "currently examining those reports, as well as gathering additional evidence".
"It will decide which action to take in the course of next week," a statement from the board added.
The other main topic of discussion will be a red card shown to Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, which means he will miss the final of the competition on May 27th.
Fletcher was given his marching orders by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti midway through the second half of United's 3-1 win over Arsenal for a tackle Cesc Fabregas in the penalty area, despite replays showing he had taken the ball.
"Uefa has also received a submission from Manchester United FC concerning the red card shown to the club's player Darren Fletcher in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal FC in London on Tuesday," the statement continued.
"The Uefa control and disciplinary body will meet on Monday to deal with this case."
Uefa confirmed that Barcelona had decided not to appeal the red card shown to defender Eric Abidal for a foul on Nicolas Anelka in the Wednesday match against Chelsea.