Controversy leads to Barcelona vs Manchester United Final
7th May, 2009
Controversy on the pitch, during last night’s Champions League semi final between Chelsea and Barcelona, has sparked rage among fans.
Chelsea fans have reportedly sent Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo hate mail including death threats, voicing their disproval of his decisions. During the 1-1 draw, which saw Barcelona go through on away goals, Mr Ovrebo waved on four penalty claims from the players and fans.
Bookies priced the Blues as slight outsiders going into the game, with some bookmakers giving the same odds on both to win. Just 9 minutes into the game Chelsea took the lead with a brilliant strike from mid-fielder Michael Essien. Unfortunately Barcelona equalized in the dying moments of the game with a great strike from Andrés Iniesta.
Tempers then boiled over when the referee denied the fourth appeal of a penalty from Michael Ballack.
Controversial though the game may have been, the result now means Barcelona will join Manchester United in the Final in Rome.
Bookies have already updated odds for the final, shortening odds on Barcelona to win.
Both Coral and Sky Bet both make Barcelona slight favourites at 6/4 , while United are 7/4.
Ladbrokes also make Barcelona slight favourites at 11/8 and make Manchester United 8/5 to win.
With odds on the match outcome so close punters will find more attractive odds on first scores and correct score markets.
Paddy Power First Goal Scorer Odds:
Christiano Ronaldo 6/1
Lionel Messi 13/2
Samuel Eto’o 7/1
Thierry Henry 7/1
Wayne Rooney 15/2
My tip: The game goes to penalties after a 1-1 draw. Thierry Henry to score first
By Rommon
