'Tables were being smashed' - John Obi Mikel opens up on 2009 Champions League semi-final chaos

ByThe Editorial Team

Updated 23/03/2021 at 13:30 GMT

Chelsea exited the 2009 Champions League in acrimonious circumstances after being denied a series of penalties before Barcelona scored a stoppage-time equaliser that sent the Spanish club through on away goals. John Obi Mikel, an unused substitute that evening, has opened up on the carnage that followed the full-time whistle.

John Obi Mikel has spoken of the "chaos" that followed Chelsea’s infamous 2009 Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona.

After a 0-0, first-leg draw at the Nou Camp, Chelsea were on course for their second consecutive final as they lead Barcelona 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

But after they were denied numerous penalty shouts throughout 90 minutes, the home side and its supporters were aggrieved to see Andres Iniesta hit a stoppage-time equaliser for Barcelona that sent the Spanish side through to the final on away goals, a result that Blues striker Didier Drogba labelled a "f******g disgrace" on the night.

Ballon d’Or

'You are not alone' - Drogba thanks Vinicius for fight against racism

31/10/2023 at 12:16

• Liverpool can still finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League, says Andy Robertson
• Wijnaldum agrees to leave Liverpool and join Barcelona

Now Mikel, an unused substitute that day, has spoken about the carnage that followed the final whistle.

"It was chaos in the tunnel and the dressing room afterwards,' the former Chelsea midfielder told The Athletic.

"Bottles, things flying everywhere. Tables were being smashed. Everyone was shouting and screaming.

Iniesta's injury-time winner broke Chelsea hearts

Image credit: Reuters

"Mind you, one could say that was normal after that Chelsea team lost games!

"I don't know about now but losing back then was definitely not acceptable at all… but that was a really crazy night. (Didier) Drogba lost it on the pitch and then it just carried on from there."

Barcelona went on to beat Manchester United 2-0 in the final, while Chelsea and Mikel finally got their hands on the famous trophy in 2012 after beating Bayern Munich in the final.

'I believe it will happen' - Messi linked with romantic move - Euro Papers

Transfers

Chelsea chase Southampton midfielder Lavia as exodus continues with Mount exit - Paper Round

06/07/2023 at 08:03

Premier League

'I knew this club with a certain class' - Drogba hits out at Chelsea's ownership

19/04/2023 at 13:50

World Cup

Zabaleta says ‘mentality’ Belgium’s ‘main problem’ after De Bruyne complaints over ageing squad

27/11/2022 at 15:28