Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Blues and Drogba to learn fate

08 May 2009 - 07:29:13

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Chelsea and Didier Drogba will discover on Friday whether they are to face disciplinary action from UEFA following the angry scenes in the aftermath their Champions League exit.

Striker Drogba was outraged that referee Tom Henning Ovrebo had rejected a number of penalty appeals from the Blues in their 1-1 semi-final second leg draw with Barcelona which saw the Spanish side progress on the away goals rule.

Drogba had to be restrained by team-mates and club staff, while a host of other players confronted the Norwegian official at full-time.

Midfielder Michael Ballack could also be in trouble with UEFA after chasing the referee late in the game to remonstrate after he had turned down the fourth penalty appeal of the night.

"We will see the report from the referee and match delegate before deciding whether to take any action or not," said a UEFA spokesman.

Meanwhile, Drogba has apologised for verbally abusing the referee in the aftermath of the defeat.

The Ivory Coast striker issued an apology via the club's official website, saying: "In the heat of the moment I let out my huge frustration and disappointment. For that, I apologise.

"I was very upset at what happened during the game.

"I also fully accept that the language I used did not set a good example for those watching at home, especially children."

Chelsea too have moved to calm the furore, adding: "Chelsea welcomes Didier's statement which was made honestly and after reflection.

"We are all acutely aware of the responsibilities that lie with both the club and its players towards setting a good example as role models.

"While it is clear that some of the events were regrettable, they occurred only because of the high emotions and frustrations which arose from the disappointment of a controversial defeat in such an important game.

"We made representations to UEFA immediately after the game and we await their comments following a review of the match officials' report."

Elsewhere, UEFA's general secretary, David Taylor, has also dismissed suggestions of a conspiracy to avoid a repeat of last year's all-English final between Chelsea and Manchester United.

"If anything it's a media conspiracy against UEFA," he claimed.

"It does make me angry. It really annoys me because it's a load of rubbish."