Graphic: from Euro to zero: how the mighty fall

John Terry added spice to next week’s Champions League quarter-final, second leg by hitting out at Liverpool’s players for urging the referee to book him during Chelsea’s 3-1 win in the first match at Anfield on Wednesday.

The Chelsea captain insists that he went for the ball in the challenge with José Manuel Reina, the Liverpool goalkeeper, that led to his yellow card and accused his opponents of double standards after they complained about how Xabi Alonso was treated during a Champions League semi-final, first leg at Stamford Bridge four years ago.

Terry will miss Tuesday’s return through suspension, but has the consolation of knowing that he will have no bookings hanging over his head if Chelsea progress.

“I felt as though I went for the ball, which is what I always do as a player,” Terry said. “I’ve spoken to Reina again and he said it wasn’t a yellow card and was honest with me.

“Alonso was booked after a similar challenge on Eidur Gudjohnsen a few years ago and was crying afterwards, so it’s disappointing to see players asking the referee for the yellow card.”

Frank Lampard echoed Terry’s complaints and claimed that Claus Bo Larsen, the Danish referee, had been intimidated by the crowd.

“Anfield is one of those atmospheres,” he said. “It’s very important when you come here that you get a strong referee because the passion of the fans means they shout for every decision. It’s a great atmosphere to play in, but you need a strong referee otherwise they will get penalties and decisions for them.”

Such was Chelsea’s dominance on Wednesday that Lampard expressed mild disappointment at the final scoreline. The England midfield player warned that Chelsea cannot take qualification for the semi-finals for granted, particularly as Liverpool beat Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford last month — a result that would take them through on Tuesday.

“It’s strange,” he said. “You would have taken 3-1 all day long before the game, but after it there was a slight sense of disappointment that we didn’t score more, especially at the end of the game when they opened up and we had two or three good chances to make it four or five.

“That would have put the tie out of sight and at the moment it isn’t. Liverpool are a strong team. They beat United 4-1 away so we have to be on our game to make sure that we don’t slip up.

“I know it’s a cliché, but it’s only half-time. It’s a great position to be in at half-time, but those ghosts will only be banished if we win at home or at least make sure we go through at home. This was an absolutely fantastic start to making sure we do that.”