The central defender also condemned the decision to select Ovrebo for such a high-profile tie.

BBC: Drogba rages at ref for Euro exit

For the Norwegian referee Ovrebo, this is not the first time his decision-making has attracted harsh criticism.

CNN: Chelsea debate: Bad decisions or bad losers?

Police in Ovrebo's home city of Oslo said they would be vigilant over any threats made against the referee.

BBC: Drogba rages at ref for Euro exit

Drogba, who had been substituted after 72 minutes, had to be restrained as Norwegian Ovrebo went down the tunnel.

BBC: Drogba rages at ref for Euro exit

Blues captain John Terry, who also strongly remonstrated with Ovrebo, defended the reactions of the Chelsea players and Drogba in particular.

BBC: Drogba rages at ref for Euro exit

After the 1-1 second-leg draw, Drogba ran on to the pitch to confront Ovrebo at the final whistle and was booked.

BBC: Drogba rages at ref for Euro exit

Ovrebo was in charge of Wednesday night's 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw between English side Chelsea and Spain's Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

CNN: Chelsea debate: Bad decisions or bad losers?

Chelsea fans cite a semifinal in which the referee, Tom Henning Ovrebo, did not award what appeared to be at least two fairly obvious penalties to their club.

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Former Uefa ref Graham Poll was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the governing body had influenced Ovrebo to ensure Barcelona reached the final on 27 May against Manchester United.

BBC: Drogba rages at ref for Euro exit