Ovrebo calls it quits at international level

FIFA: Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, who was severely criticised after Barcelona knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League last year, has decided to retire from international duty after missing selection for the World Cup.

Ovrebo came under fire after officiating the semi-final match in which several Chelsea players angrily accused him of missing several penalty and handball decisions.

He was allegedly subject to online death threats in the aftermath.

The 43-year-old referee was not selected for the upcoming World Cup after making it onto a provisional list.

Ovrebo said yesterday that he’s “sad” to leave international refereeing, but that he’s “sure it’s the right decision.”

He says he will continue to referee matches in the top Norwegian division, Tippeligaen.