Soccer: Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has apologised for his angry confrontation with referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after last night's Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona, but the striker and team-mate Michael Ballack could yet face disciplinary charges on Friday after Uefa assess the official's match report.

Uefa have to read the report, as well as that of the match delegate, before making a decision whether to charge the pair and/or the club, for failing to control their players after Ovrebo waved away four penalty claims.

Andres Iniesta's injury-time strike sent Barca into the final on away goals.

Drogba, who was denied a legitimate penalty claim before being substituted, received a yellow card for his angry and animated protest after the game, before yelling “It’s a f****** disgrace” at the TV cameras.

In a statement released this evening, the Ivory Coast captain said: “I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I over-reacted.

“I also fully accept that the language I used did not set a good example for those watching at home, especially children. I regret that in the heat of the moment I let out my incredible frustration and disappointment in this way, and for that I apologise.”

Though Drogba stopped short of aplogising to the referee himself, Chelsea welcomed his statement with one of their own.

“Chelsea welcomes Didier’s statement today which was made honestly and after reflection. We are all acutely aware of the responsibilities that lie with both the club and its players towards setting a good example as role models.

“While it is clear that some of the events last night were regrettable, they occurred only because of the high emotions and frustrations which arose from the disappointment of a controversial defeat in such an important game.

“We made representations to Uefa immediately after the game and we await their comments following a review of the match officials’ report.”

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink and skipper John Terry both backed Drogba and have been scathing about the referee, but Uefa will not be drawn into any discussion about the offcial's performance or suggestions that they did not want another all-English final.

Uefa’s general secretary David Taylor branded that particular conspiracy theory "a load of crap", today,and added: “If anything it’s a media conspiracy against Uefa. It does make me angry. It really annoys me because it’s a load of rubbish.”

Another to voice his disgust at the referee's performance was full-back Jose Bosingwa but the Portugal international has since retracted his description of Ovrebo as a "thief".

In a statement issued on behalf of the player to 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."

The one party that has remained silent since the game has been Ovrebo, after being instructed to do so by Uefa.