10 Most controversial football matches of the last decade

#10 Chelsea 1-1 FC Barcelona: 2009 Champions League

Perhaps, this can be labelled as the most bizarre night in Champions League history and one of the most controversial games of all time. Chelsea were within inches of earning a spot at the Champions League final in 2009 when Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta shattered their hopes in stoppage time and enraged the Bridge further who were already suffering from disbelief due to some ridiculous refereeing from Tom Henning Ovrebo.

The match saw four clear penalty decisions denied to Chelsea who under Guus Hiddink, were on course to reach their second consecutive final. Michael Essien’s wonder strike gave them the lead and Barcelona were reduced to ten men. There were four legitimate penalty claims against Barca, but none of them were given by Norwegian official Ovrebo.

When it looked like the Blues were heading home to a victory, Iniesta spoiled the party and scored a last-gasp equaliser to deprive Chelsea a place in the Champions League final on the basis of away goal rule.

Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack could not hold their disgust back as they confronted the referee after the match. Drogba was suspended for five games while Ovrebo later admitted that his mistakes led to Chelsea’s loss. To this day, the Norwegian still receives death threats from the Blues faithful.