Guus Hiddink had some sympathy with the notion doing the rounds that UEFA conspired to prevent an all-English Champions League Final.
Asked about UEFA's constant anti-English stance which might have influenced referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, Hiddink was careful with his words but the sentiment was clear: "Refs are human and everyone can be influenced by others [a reference that Ovrebo might have wanted to please his employers UEFA], but these are just half accusations, so it's difficult to say [for certain]," said Chelsea's temporary coach.
"Refs, players and coaches all make mistakes and you must give them the benefit of the doubt, but then you see three or four [clear penalties] waved away, you have to say it was the worst refereeing performance ever."