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We realise that standing up for refs might not be popular with fans, but the reaction to Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday was over the top.
Didier Drogba threatened him at the end before swearing in front of the TV cameras. Jose Bosingwa called him "a thief".
Everywhere players and fans shouted "conspiracy". There were even death threats on Facebook.
Jamie Redknapp was not alone in questioning how an official from a "minor" country could be given such an important game.
But no-one complained about Lubos Michel of Slovakia being given last year's Champions League Final in Moscow. "Why couldn't we have a top ref from Germany or Italy?" asked Jamie.
He must have forgotten Italian Roberto Rosetti, who sent off Darren Fletcher the day before.
To claim an English referee would have done better is a joke, given that most fans and pundits slag off Premier League refs every week.
Referees are human and make mistakes, but both sides were on the wrong end of decisions on Wednesday. It was a poor show by Mr Ovrebo, but his nationality had nothing to do with it.
If you believe there should be more respect for referees, get involved at info@fsf.org.uk
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