Balde defiant despite defeat

Bobo Balde claimed that Celtic were still a better side than FC Porto despite the defeat to the Portuguese champions in the UEFA Cup final.

The Glasgow outfit came from behind twice, but their hopes of lifting the famous trophy were shattered after Derlei’s extra-time goal.

Balde said: “It was difficult for them after we scored, but it was difficult for us to go ahead. They are a good side, but we could have beaten them and I think we are the better side.”

Balde was red carded during the extra period for a second booking, but he did not expect referee Michel Lubos to give him his marching orders.

The giant defender was shown yellow cards for fouls on dangermen Deco and Derlei, but he felt the decision was harsh.

He added: “It was a very sad moment for me tonight, but I am still not finished and I will come back.

“I didn’t play too bad but I think that was one of my worst games of this year. It’s very disappointing and it was hard to hear the fans in the dressing room.

“They have travelled a long way to lose the game, which is hard for them. I thought we would go on to win after we equalised, but I didn’t think the referee was going to give me a red card.

“But then I saw his face and I knew then that I was going off, which was hard for me to take.”

Henrik Larsson took his Celtic scoring tally to 201 with his double – but he was inconsolable at the final whistle.

“It is unbelievable,” he sighed. “It’s an extremely tough one to take.”