Andres Iniesta's stoppage-time equaliser for a 1-1 draw sent Barcelona through on the away goals rule and sent Drogba round the bend.
Having been taken off injured after 72 minutes, the Ivorian stormed back onto the pitch after the final whistle and charged aggressively towards Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.
With angry spectators throwing flags and other items at the celebrating Barcelona players and the technical area in total chaos in the final few minutes, Chelsea can expect an early knock on the door from UEFA's disciplinary committee.
Hiddink, however, refused to condemn Drogba's histrionics. "I can fully understand his reaction," he said.
"He was full of emotion and full of adrenalin but he was in control. If he went beyond that and started hitting he should go, but I fully understand his behaviour after the game and I will protect him."
NEWS: Iniesta blockbuster breaks Blues hearts
PHOTOS: Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona
NEWS: Away goal heartache haunts Hiddink again
NEWS: Last-gasp goal validates purist approach
NEWS: Pep hero status further enshrined at Barca
NEWS: Hiddink: Worst refereeing I've seen
LA LIGA LOCA BLOG: What's Catalan for 'Have It'?
NEWS: Media hails Iniesta and berates Drogba
NEWS: United vs Barca hailed as dream final
CHELSEA FANS! Check FourFourTwo.com’s ever-expandinginterviewsarchive for more stuff to read:
Web Exclusives Kerry Dixon, Guus Hiddink
One on One Gianfranco Zola, Nicolas Anelka
Boy's A Bit Special Michael Mancienne, Scott S
