Chelsea confirm appeal

29th June 2009

Chelsea are to appeal the "unnecessarily harsh" punishments handed out by UEFA in the wake of their controversial Champions League semi-final defeat.

European football's governing body banned striker Didier Drogba and right-back Jose Bosingwa - for four and three matches, respectively, with other games suspended - for their comments in the wake of the 1-1 second-leg draw with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in May which sent them out of the competition.

The club received a fine of £85,000 for the improper conduct of their players and for the throwing of missiles by their supporters.

A statement from the Blues read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has today lodged an appeal against the UEFA bans given to Didier Drogba and Jose 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."