Eight Controversial Red Card Soccer in the Champions League (2005 – 2012): Game – Changing Moments

In the high – pressure knockout rounds of the Champions League, red card soccer often become decisive. From 2005 to 2012, eight such cards sparked intense debates. Their controversies stemmed from penalty standards, player actions, or referee judgments. More importantly, they directly shaped match outcomes. Let’s explore these key cases chronologically.

1. Didier Drogba (2005, Chelsea vs Barcelona – Round of 16 Second Leg)

Time & Place​​: March 9, 2005, Stamford Bridge.
​​Background​​: This was Mourinho’s first Champions League season with Chelsea. The first leg at the Nou Camp ended 0 – 0. The second leg was crucial for a quarter – final spot.
​​Process​​: First, Drogba got a yellow card for tackling Marquez. Then, when the ball landed, he and Valdes rushed for it. As a result, when Drogba poked the ball, Valdes didn’t fully control it. Next, the referee thought Drogba hit the keeper and gave him a second yellow.
​​Result​​: Chelsea played one man down but won 4 – 2 at home. Thus, they advanced with a 5 – 4 aggregate.
​​Controversy​​: Drogba’s move was a normal tackle. Contact when the keeper isn’t in full control is common. However, the referee’s call was criticized for changing the game. Still, Chelsea’s teamwork led to victory.

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2. Asier Del Horno (2006, Chelsea vs Barcelona – Round of 16 First Leg)

​​Time & Place​​: February 23, 2006, Nou Camp.
​​Background​​: Chelsea and Barcelona met again. Barcelona had won 2 – 1 at home in the first leg. Chelsea needed a draw or win here.
​​Process​​: In the 36th minute, Del Horno knocked down Messi while defending. Immediately, the referee showed a red card.
​​Result​​: With one less player, Chelsea lost 1 – 2. Therefore, they were out with a 3 – 2 aggregate.
​​Controversy​​: Mourinho said Messi was good at diving. He believed Del Horno shouldn’t have been sent off.

3. Eric Abidal (2009, Chelsea vs Barcelona – Semi – Finals Second Leg)

​​Time & Place​​: May 6, 2009, Nou Camp.
​​Background​​: The first leg was a 1 – 1 draw. Chelsea needed a goal to advance in this second leg.
​​Process​​: In the 67th minute, Abidal slightly pulled down Anelka when he was about to get a one – on – one. As a result, the referee gave Abidal a red card.
​​Further Process​​: Slow – motion replays showed little contact. Anelka lost balance as his left foot kicked his right leg. Also, they weren’t close, so it was unclear if Abidal touched his left foot.
​​Result​​: Chelsea drew 1 – 1. However, they were out with a 2 – 2 aggregate due to fewer away goals.
​​Controversy​​: The red card was seen as wrong. Abidal had no foul intention. Moreover, the referee ignored Anelka’s own mistake.

4. Darren Fletcher (2009, Manchester United vs Arsenal – Semi – Finals Second Leg)

​​Time & Place​​: May 5, 2009, Emirates Stadium.
​​Background​​: Manchester United had won 1 – 0 in the first leg. They needed to keep the lead in this second leg.
​​Process​​: Fletcher tripped Fabregas in the penalty area. As a result, the referee gave him a red card.
​​Further Thought​​: Many thought a penalty was okay, but the red card was too harsh.
​​Result​​: Manchester United won 3 – 1. Thus, they advanced with a 4 – 1 aggregate.
​​Controversy​​: Most agreed a penalty was right. However, the red card was excessive. Additionally, Ferguson was upset about Fletcher missing the final.

5. Franck Ribery (2010, Bayern Munich vs Lyon – Semi – Finals First Leg)

​​Time & Place​​: April 27, 2010, Allianz Arena.
​​Background​​: Bayern led Lyon 1 – 0 in the first leg. This match was to strengthen their position.
​​Process​​: In the 37th minute of the first half, Ribery was shown a red card for stamping on Lisandro.
​​Further Detail​​: Slow – motion replays showed the red card was too strict.
​​Result​​: Bayern won 1 – 0. Therefore, they advanced with a 3 – 0 aggregate.
​​Controversy​​: The action wasn’t malicious. Moreover, the red card was considered too harsh.

6. Thiago Motta (2010, Inter Milan vs Barcelona – Semi – Finals Second Leg)

​​Time & Place​​: April 29, 2010, Nou Camp.
​​Background​​: Inter led Barcelona 3 – 1 in the first leg. They needed to hold the lead in this second leg.
​​Process​​: In the first half, Motta’s slight hand move touched Busquets. As a result, Busquets fell and acted.
​​Next Step​​: The referee sent Motta off.
​​Additional Info​​: Slow – motion replays showed Busquets might be faking.
​​Result​​: Inter was down 0 – 1 but advanced with a 3 – 2 aggregate. Also, Motta was banned for three more games.
​​Controversy​​: Motta’s action was minor. Besides, Busquets’ acting added to the controversy. Furthermore, the referee’s call on Motta was criticized.

7. Robin van Persie (2011, Arsenal vs Barcelona – Round of 16 Second Leg)

​​Time & Place​​: March 9, 2011, Nou Camp.
​​Background​​: Arsenal led Barcelona 2 – 1 in the first leg. They needed a draw or win in this second leg.
​​Process​​: First, Van Persie got a yellow card for hitting Alves. Then, in the 56th minute, he shot after the whistle.
​​Consequence​​: He got a second yellow and was sent off. He explained he didn’t hear the whistle due to the noise.
​​Result​​: Arsenal was down 1 – 3 and out with a 3 – 4 aggregate.
​​Controversy​​: The rule was clear. However, the decision made fans feel sorry for Van Persie.

8. Pepe (2012, Real Madrid vs Barcelona – Semi – Finals First Leg)

​​Time & Place​​: April 24, 2012, Bernabeu.
​​Background​​: This was the El Clasico in the semi – finals. The first leg was a 1 – 1 draw. Both teams wanted to lead.
​​Process​​: In the 60th minute, Pepe stamped on Alves. Under protests, the referee showed a red card.
​​Additional Situation​​: Mourinho was also sent off for his over – reactive behavior.
​​Result​​: Real Madrid lost 0 – 2 and was out with a 1 – 3 aggregate.
​​Controversy​​: Pepe’s action was dangerous but not intentional. Moreover, the referee’s call under protests was debated. Additionally, Mourinho’s reaction worsened the conflict.