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Bosingwa withdraws ''thief'' jibe

Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa says he now regrets calling referee Tom Henning Ovrebo ''a thief'' and has retracted his comments.

In a statement issued on behalf of the player to the Portuguese media, Bosingwa said: ''We were all very disappointed and frustrated after the game, but I regret describing the referee as a thief. Having had some time to reflect I would like to withdraw those comments.''

Bosingwa had labelled Ovrebo a ''thief'' after the Norwegian's decisions in last night's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

Andres Iniesta's stoppage-time equaliser saw Barca progress to the final of Europe's premier club competition but Chelsea claimed they could have had four penalties.

Bosingwa originally laid the blame for the Blues' failure to reach their second successive final squarely at the official's door.

''I don't know if he's a referee or a thief,'' he told Portuguese television station RTP. ''I don't have any words to describe that man that was on the pitch.

''We have nothing against Barcelona's goal but the penalties that he didn't give us and his way of managing the game weren't right at all.

''This referee should never referee a game again. What happened was a disgrace. It was a well contested game but the referee came to spoil our game.''

Meanwhile Barca coach Pep Guardiola has praised captain John Terry for his behaviour after last night's semi-final defeat.

Despite Terry's disappointment, he visited the Barcelona dressing room and shook hands with each member of their playing and coaching staff. It was an act of sportsmanship for which the Barca team and staff applauded him out of the room.

''I want to thank John Terry for coming into the dressing room and congratulating us,'' said Guardiola. ''He's a true gentleman.''