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Chelsea-Barca Ref Forced Into Hiding

Throughout the history of team sports, spectators have probably joked about causing bodily harm to an umpire or referee. In the wake of Barcelona's last-minute Champions League semifinal victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, this sort of thinking has become no laughing matter as the match's official -- Tom Henning Ovrebo -- has been forced into hiding after receiving numerous threats.

The Norwegian denied Chelsea, what the Blues felt, were three possible penalty kicks -- the first when Dani Alves dragged down Flourent Malouda in the box in the first half and the next two on possible handballs on Barcelona players Gerard Pique and Samuel Eto'o. The second call, which would have gone against Eto'o in injury time, has already sparked numerous YouTube parodies featuring Chelsea's Michael Ballack's over the top reaction.

Michael Ballack's Moustache for Mercedes



It's international friendly day in the soccer world today, and nothing says "international friendly" quite like this sweet 'stache that Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack sported for a Mercedes Benz commercial with the German national team, which faces Austria today. Sadly, it's a fake 'stache, but he should consider growing a real one -- maybe a Sal Fasano with a little Euro flair. It would make his free kicks that much more awesome.

Elsewhere, the U.S. men's national team faces Mexico tonight in Houston at 9:00 PM. The U.S. is on a 46-game unbeaten streak on home soil against CONCACAF opponents. ESPN2 will air the game, and guys like Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Tim Howard have flown in to join Bob Bradley's side. I'm setting my DVR for that one, though, as I have another big rivalry to watch tonight.

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