SOCCER: DIDIER DROGBA is to escape any internal club discipline for his post-match abuse of the referee Tom Henning Ovrebo following Chelsea's Champions League elimination to Barcelona in midweek, though Guus Hiddink is considering withdrawing the striker from the limelight for tomorrow's London derby at Arsenal.

The Ivorian sprinted back on to the pitch at the final whistle on Wednesday to berate the referee and, having been pushed away from Ovrebo by stewards and his manager, branded the Norwegian's performance "a ****ing disgrace" into a television camera.

He has since issued a public apology for his obscenity though the Chelsea hierarchy remain deeply unimpressed with his conduct even in the context of the team's controversial exit.

Uefa are scrutinising reports filed by Ovrebo and their match delegate at Stamford Bridge and will announce next week whether Drogba, some of his team-mates and Chelsea will be sanctioned for their livid reaction following the 1-1 draw with Barcelona. Hiddink, however, has urged Roman Abramovich and his board not to fine the striker, though he cast serious doubt on whether the player will be considered for selection at the Emirates.

Asked whether the forward would be punished internally, Hiddink said: "It's up to me and the board, but I don't think so. Apologising openly is a big step forward. Fining him would not influence what Uefa might do.

"They have their report, but we - and he - condemn his behaviour on camera. I have a few hours yet to think about Sunday. It's important for everything to calm down and get the emotions back to normal, then we'll see.

"He had some problems in his ankle on Wednesday. We'll see, physically and mentally, if he can play. I don't regret saying I supported him after the game. I could feel the reaction of the players when there is injustice.

"If you lose in a normal way, you are sad but you accept it. But the way we were eliminated generated that reaction. Didier shouldn't have done what he did, but I can understand his emotions."

Drogba has endured a difficult season, returning to the side after a knee injury only to be suspended for throwing a coin back into the crowd in a League Cup tie with Burnley. He was marginalised under Luiz Felipe Scolari thereafter, though Hiddink recalled him to the first team and appeared to be getting the best out of the player.

Now, however, he has tarnished his reputation within and outside the club yet again and, with a year to run on his contract, his days at Stamford Bridge appear to be numbered.

Hiddink suggested his post-match reaction would "not be an influence" on his long-term future, though he added: "That's not up to me. Certainly he can learn something from the likes of Frank Lampard and the way he reacted, swapping shirts with Iniesta. Frank also felt this injustice, but you could not change things at the end. You calm down and congratulate your opponents. Didier can learn from that. He overreacted. In the heat of the game, I can understand his emotions, but there must always be a level of dignity."

The indignity was extended to threats, largely posted on the internet, directed at Ovrebo who was smuggled out of the stadium, and later the country, by Uefa. His house in Oslo remains under police guard, though the 42-year-old insists he is not in hiding and is ready to officiate in the match between Brann and Start, as scheduled, next weekend. "I'm ready for the game," he said. "I'm not shocked."

"We have to leave the man in peace," said Hiddink. Asked whether he and his players might consider apologising for their public criticisms of Ovrebo, Hiddink added: "I have worked in some countries where, after defeats, I've had to go away from a game in a car putting my foot on the gas to be speedy away from the stadium. I don't think we are fully responsible for what happened afterwards."

There remains smouldering discontent at Chelsea that their four penalty appeals - two of which Hiddink believes were clear-cut - were turned down. Goalkeeper Petr Cech described Ovrebo's decisions as "unbelievable" and urged Uefa to introduce video technology to assist referees.

While the club wallows in regret with only the showpiece at Wembley on the horizon to brighten the mood, Hiddink's primary disappointment is that all this will soon be left behind.

"It'll be tough to leave it all, that's true," he conceded. "I love to work with this club. I'm not defending where they crossed the line but the way the boys reacted against Barcelona shows that there is such a very strong desire and personality in this team. They like to fight for their chances. I've worked with them with a lot of joy.

"I've enjoyed working with this team. The players here aren't just enjoying a good life, putting their feet up in luxury. They want to perform at a big club. That makes it very enjoyable and difficult to leave. I feel as if I've been intrinsically involved with this club.

"I could have come here and just gone through the motions, done a daily routine, for three months. But that's not the way I like to work. Okay, sure, you don't feel as if you're a part of things on day one but I had that after a week here. In the end, though, we part. That's just how it is. Let's not be too dramatic. That's life."

Guardian Service