Cech has faith in referee

Petr Cech has backed referee Cuneyt Cakir to ensure Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Chelsea and Barcelona remains controversy-free.

Champions League ties between Chelsea and Barcelona have been eventful affairs since the sides first met in the competition seven years ago.

Alongside the performances of the teams, referees have often played a major part, with Anders Frisk and Tom Henning Ovrebo both at the centre of controversies in recent years.

However, Chelsea goalkeeper Cech has faith in Cakir, who is taking charge of his first Champions League knockout stage fixture.

“I think that the referee can be a big part of the game and you have seen that in the past,” Cech said.

“They were great games between ourselves and Barcelona, and there was always a little bit of controversy which was a shame.

“It overshadowed the great games we played on the pitch but I think that we have an experienced, Turkish referee for Tuesday’s match.

“If you have experience of high profile games such as Galatasaray versus Fenerbahce, then he shouldn’t have a problem with a Champions League semi-final game.

“We are not a side that looks to cause trouble out on the pitch.”

Chelsea hold a 1-0 advantage over Barcelona, who head into the second leg of the semi-final on the back of their first home defeat of the season, a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid.

The man who masterminded that win was former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, and Cech joked that his former boss had been helping them plot Barca’s demise.

“Yes, we had a tactical meeting a few hours ago,” Cech said.

“He sent over the whole file and we’ll try to get it done.

“But seriously, he hasn’t been in touch.”