FIFA honour Frisk

Referee Anders Frisk was given FIFA’s presidential award tonight as recognition for a career cut short following death threats against his family from Chelsea extremists.

The Swedish referee announced his retirement following the controversial Champions League match between Chelsea and Barcelona last season.

Earlier in the season he was also struck on the head by a missile during the Champions League tie between Roma and Dynamo Kiev, and abandoned the game.

The threats against his family came after the first leg of the Barcelona v Chelsea match, after which Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho suggested the official might have favoured the Catalan side.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said in tribute: “This extraordinary man was one of the very best.

“A couple of months ago this Swedish man of integrity decided to retire from refereeing but not because he has reached the age limit and not because he had lost the joy and passion to be a referee.

“He resigned because he was a victim during a match, suffering unacceptable physical and psychological abuse.

“When he has received threats towards his family then he decided to end his career as an active referee.”

Accepting the award, Frisk said: “This is a great honour, privilege and pleasure.

“During the years if refereeing it has been of the utmost importance to protect the game, the players and the integrity of match officials.”