Blues duo appeal against Euro bans

CHELSEA have appealed against the punishments handed out by UEFA following the club’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona, the governing body confirmed yesterday.

UEFA fined the Blues £85,000 (€100,000) for the improper conduct of their players and missile throwing by their supporters after the match at Stamford Bridge.

Striker Didier Drogba was banned for six European games, two of them suspended for two years, while defender Jose Bosingwa was banned for four matches, one suspended.

UEFA revealed a date for the club’s appeal will be announced in due course.

The Blues had been expected to appeal the punishments so yesterday’s confirmation by UEFA is no surprise.

Ivory Coast striker Drogba was given a six-match ban for his foul-mouthed confrontation with referee Tom Henning Ovrebo while Portugal defender Bosingwa labelled Ovrebo a “thief”.

Referee Ovrebo was at the centre of controversy after rejecting four Chelsea penalty appeals during the second leg of the semi-final.

Chelsea were leading through Michael Essien’s early strike but Andres Iniesta’s late away goal gave Barca a place in the final, where they beat Manchester United to win the trophy.

Drogba’s foul-mouthed rant at the official was seen by millions of television viewers, as he directly addressed a camera on the side of the pitch. He later apologised for his behaviour.

If the appeal is unsuccessful the ban will rule him out of most of the club’s Champions League group stage next season.