Vidic - I was protecting Tevez

United defender explains Champions League final scuffle

Last updated: 24th May 2008

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Vidic clashes with Drogba

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Nemanja Vidic says he was protecting Carlos Tevez in the incident which saw Chelsea striker Didier Drogba sent off in the UEFA Champions League final.

Drogba was dismissed towards the end of extra-time in Wednesday's Moscow showdown after slapping Manchester United defender Vidic in the face.

The melee was sparked after Chelsea reacted angrily to Tevez putting the ball out for a throw-in after the Blues had kicked it out of play for one of their players to receive treatment.

Vidic insists he does not blame Drogba, but the Serbian stopper cannot understand why Chelsea were upset by Tevez's actions.

Awkward situation

"After the throw-in we had to return the ball to Chelsea and we did that by sending the ball again out of play," Vidic told The Sun.

"Tevez got pushed for doing that and I came to protect him.

"I also asked Chelsea's players what is the problem as they previously returned the ball by kicking it out, and I thought Tevez did not do anything wrong.

"The pushing continued then Drogba touched me, but I don't blame him.

"It's a final, a very important game and some players cannot control themselves.

"Maybe my reaction was bad as I ran half the field to get in an awkward situation, but the most important thing is we won the trophy."