Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has joined in the criticism of referee Tom Ovrebo and defended his players' over-the-top reactions.

Hiddink's men had four strong penalty shouts turned down, twice for handball and also for challenges on Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda, with Barca grabbing a last-gasp leveller to go through on away goals.

It sets up a final between Barca and Manchester United, rather than a repeat of last year's showpiece when Sir Alex Ferguson's side won on penalties after a stalemate.

It could be viewed as the final UEFA wanted, although Hiddink said: "Conspiracy is a very tough word and, if there is, you have to prove it.

"Obviously there is a lot written and said prior to this game. I can only mention what I see. I cannot say whether UEFA wouldn't like another English final."

He added: "They (referees) are human as well and everyone can be influenced by certain singing around, that could be possible.

"These are all half accusations. It's difficult to have a right opinion about that."

Chelsea took the lead in the semi-final in the ninth minute of the second leg, with Michael Essien smashing a volley in off the underside of the crossbar.

Malouda was then fouled by Dani Alves, who was later booked and will miss the final, and Ovrebo deemed it just outside the area.

Drogba thought he was felled by Eric Abidal inside the box, while Gerard Pique and Samuel Eto'o appeared to handle but nothing was given.

"In big games like this you need top-notch referees who have had big experience," Hiddink added. "The overall feeling was of injustice and I can understand fully the emotion of players.

"If you see three or four, that is the worst I have seen."

Ovrebo did send off Abidal in the second half but Chelsea were still fuming, with Drogba approaching the referee after the final whistle and calling him a "disgrace" on television.

"Of course I can fully understand his reaction, he was full of emotion," Hiddink said. "The moment he starts hitting, he is going somewhere he shouldn't go. I will protect him."