Chelsea charged by over players' and fans' behaviour in Barcelona match

22 May 2009 14:47
The club will face action over the behaviour of a number fo their players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters, while Drogba and Bosingwa are accused of being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship in their treatment of the match referee. Drogba harangued referee Tom Henning Ovrebo at the final whistle after Chelsea felt they were denied a number of clear penalty decisions in a match they drew in stoppage time to go out of the Champions League. The Ivorian also swore into a television camera. Uefa has also looked at post-match comments from John Terry, who questioned the suitability of the referee, and Bosingwa, who, in an interview with Portuguese television, even accused the official of being a 'thief' because of his failure to award Chelsea at least two clear penalties. Bosingwa, however, quickly apologised. Drogba also issued an apology but Chelsea are braced for the 31-year-old striker to face hefty charges over his behaviour which could lead to him being ruled out of several matches at the start of next season's Champions League campaign. With a new manager due to be announced and Drogba's future att he club already unclear, such action would make selling him, should Chelsea chose to do so, problematic. Chelsea will now be given time to gather evidence and respond to the announcement. The club and the individuals concerned have been requested to file a statement by Friday 29 May. The Uefa Control & Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on 17 June.

Source: Telegraph