Chelsea Appeal Drogba & Bosingwa Bans

Chelsea have this afternoon confirmed that they will be appealing against the suspensions awarded by UEFA to striker Didider Drogba and right-back Jose Bosingwa, after the pair showed extreme and, in Drogba's case, publicly foul-mouthed dissent to referee Ton Henning Ovrebo.

The controversy occurred after the Champions League semi-final second leg between the Blues and Barcelona last season, in which the Londoners were beaten by a last-minute goal and had serveral penalty appeals waved away by Ovrebo.

The Ivorian was handed a six-match ban for his outburst, with the last two games suspended for two years, whilst Bosingwa, who reportedly branded the referee "a thief", received a four-match ban, with, again, the last two suspended for two years.

The club was also fined £100,000 (138,000 euros) for the players' improper conduct and the throwing of missiles by its supporters.

A statement on the club's official website reads:
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has today lodged an appeal against the UEFA bans given to Didier Drogba and José Bosingwa, and the fine imposed against the club. 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."