World Cup set to red-card blunder ref

However, Ovrebo’s wretched performance in Chelsea’s loss against Barcelona could cost him the chance to officiate at the 2010 World Cup, it emerged. Ovrebo, 42, was branded a “disgrace” by Chelsea after turning down four penalty appeals at Stamford Bridge before Andres Iniesta’s injury-time goal put Barca into the final.

Norwegian Ovrebo had to switch London hotels after the game so great were fears about his safety, and UEFA brought forward the time of his flight home yesterday as he was smuggled out under police guard.

Ovrebo has received death threats and his address was posted on the internet.

Police are guarding his home in Olso, worried about risks from Norway-based Chelsea fans.

Swedish referee Anders Frisk quit football in 2005 after a similar hate campaign by Chelsea supporters.

But Rune Pedersen, referees’ supremo at Norway’s FA, said: “Tom Henning is a strong person with a strong personality. He felt pretty safe after most of the situations in the game, and after what happened he is still feeling good.”

The internet, though, was flooded with venomous warnings that fans would “hurt him” and “kill him”.

One said: “I want that referee assaulted.”

On the Facebook site, there were several groups set up including one calling itself “Kill Tom Henning Ovrebo”.

It said: “We are a group dedicated to the hunt for (and brutal murdering of) the second leg Champions League referee of Chelsea v Barcelona.”

On Chelsea’s own message board there were a string of threats including one fan who said: “Tom Henning Ovrebo – I’m going to cut off your ***** and feed them to my puppies.” Another said: “I hope he dies.” Frisk retired from the game after death threats were made against him and also his family for sending off Didier Drogba in the Champions League against Barcelona, when Jose Mourinho accused him of inviting Barca’s coach Frank Rijkaard into his room.

A police spokesman in Norway said: “We are watching closely what is being posted on the internet. Anything we believe would threaten his personal safety will be taken seriously.”

Chelsea, meanwhile, said: “We would like to make clear that we condemn any form of threat against players, officials or supporters.

“If provided with proper evidence, we will take the strongest action against any season ticket holders or members.

“We would stress that we have received no evidence that Chelsea fans are involved in any of the alleged threats.” Ovrebo is one of 38 referees on the FIFA shortlist for the 2010 World Cup.

But performances in UEFA competitions are always monitored.

He was in charge of England’s European Championship qualifier with Israel, Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final away to Inter Milan and their group match in Bordeaux plus their qualifier with Standard Liege this season.