The referee of Chelsea’s fateful Champions League semi-final meeting with Barcelona in 2009 has admitted he made a series of mistakes at Stamford Bridge, accepting that he “cannot be proud” of his infamous performance.

Tom Henning Ovrebo turned down four penalty appeals by Chelsea as Andres Iniesta struck a late equaliser that put Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona through to the Champions League final on away goals.

Ovrebo was sent death threats from furious Chelsea fans and was hounded by Chelsea players after the final whistle on the night, with Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa both receiving subsequent bans.

It remains one of the most controversial refereeing performances in recent years, and the Norwegian’s officiating has been revisited by Spanish media ahead of Chelsea’s round of 16 fixture with Barcelona on Tuesday night.

“It was not my best day, really,” Ovrebo, who at 51 years old no longer referees, told Spanish newspaper Marca. “But those mistakes can be committed by a referee, and sometimes a player or a coach. Some days you are not at the level you should be. But no, I can’t be proud of that performance."