Source: Telegraph
Chelsea to appeal to Uefa over Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa censure
Discussions with both players took place last night and although Drogba has maintained that he is willing to accept the punishment given to him, Chelsea were stunned that he received a six-match European ban, with two of the games suspended. They had thought the worst he would get is three games.
Bosingwa's punishment was even more of a surprise given Chelsea had expected him to be absent for only one game when their Champions League campaign starts at the beginning of next season.
Chelsea are also annoyed at the fine they have received for "the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters".
Chelsea were given 72 hours to appeal and may release a formal statement later today. Last night a Chelsea spokesman said: "We've received the Uefa verdict and we'll now take time to assess it in full and consider our response. There is unlikely to be further comment tonight."
The club has made clear that it intends to stand by Drogba. A new three-year contract offer is on the table for the 31-year-old Ivorian, who has just 12 months left on his present deal and had appeared to be set to leave Stamford Bridge, and talks will take place once he returns for pre-season training on 8 July, a week later than the rest of the squad because of his international commitments.
It had been thought that Drogba would be sold by club owner Roman Abramovich, who is believed to have been appalled by his behaviour after the Barca match, but the Russian billionaire has, following consultations with his advisers and talking to the new manager Carlo Ancelotti, relented.
Bosingwa's future is in greater doubt given Chelsea's interest in re-signing Glen Johnson, although they have lost out to Liverpool for the right-back after he made it clear he did not want to return to Stamford Bridge.
Both Drogba and Bosingwa were found guilty of making insulting comments after Chelsea were knocked out of the competition following a series of controversial decisions by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo who turned down a number of strong penalty appeals.
