Chelsea appeal against Drogba and Bosingwa bans

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LONDON, June 29, 2009 (AFP) - Chelsea announced on Monday they'd appealed against the bans handed out to striker Didier Drogba and defender Jose Bosingwa by European football's governing body UEFA earlier this month.

Drogba was given a four-match ban and Bosingwa a three-match ban, with other games suspended for their comments following Chelsea's 1-1 second leg semi-final draw with eventual champions Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in May which saw the London club go out of the Champions League.

The Blues were also fined 85,000 pounds (100,000 euros) for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their fans.

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has today (Monday) lodged an appeal against the UEFA bans given to Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa, and the fine imposed against the club," said a Blues statement.

"We believe these punishments are unnecessarily harsh given the circumstances.

"We would reiterate that the players and the club are acutely aware of our responsibilities towards setting a good example as role models and upholding the values of the game.

"That is why honest and sincere apologies were made swiftly after these regrettable incidents occurred."

Chelsea crashed out of Europe's premier club competition after Andres Iniesta's injury-time equaliser for Barcelona took the Catalans through to the final on the away goals rule.

The Blues had a number of penalty appeals turned down during the match by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and Ivory Coast international Drogba, who had been substituted, came back onto the pitch to swear at the official after the final whistle in front of watching TV cameras.

Portuguese defender Bosingwa, meanwhile, likened Ovrebo to a "thief" in a post-match interview before withdrawing his comments.