Ovrebo admits to goal mistake

(GSM) – Tom Henning Ovrebo has admitted he should have ruled out Miroslav Klose’s last-minute winner in Bayern München’s victory over Fiorentina on Wednesday.

Ovrebo’s performance was roundly criticised. Gobbi received a dubious red card from the Norwegian referee while Miroslav Klose was only booked for his studs-on-ankle challenge and then scored a late goal that was clearly offside.

Ovrebo admits he should not have allowed the goal to stand.

“Based on the pictures and the feedback we’ve received, it’s clear we should have realised it was offside,” the 43-year-old official told Norwegian television channel TV2.

“But we unfortunately did not realise that on the pitch. Based on the advice I got from my assistant, I chose to approve the goal – and it is my responsibility.

“I always get just the advice of an assistant referee but I make a final decision. But the pictures later show that it was perhaps not so wise.”

Ovrebo is refusing to speculate on whether his refereeing future could be examined by UEFA.

“It’s hard to say,” he added. “It’s up to UEFA to consider. “We take the games we get. Then UEFA assess whether we are good enough for new duties.”

Giancarlo Abete has offered his support to Fiorentina with a public appeal to UEFA President Michel Platini. The president of the Italian Football Association (FIGC) said Ovrebo wasn’t up to the job.

“Fiorentina were clearly penalised,” Abete said. “It’s true that errors can happen, but Wednesday’s were just too obvious to be ignored.

“Platini is the first to be worried by what happened,” revealed Abete. “These refereeing performances damage the reputation of UEFA.

“It was obvious the referee was not in shape, in many different ways, and that it wasn’t wise to give him such an important match.”