The players on UEFA's hitlist

07 May 2009 22:44
DIDIER DROGBAMICHAEL BALLACKJOSE BOSINGWAWhat he didWhat he didWhat he didDrogba completely lost the plot at the final whistle. Despite having already been substituted, he leapt off the bench to deliver a finger-wagging tirade atreferee Ovrebo. He screamed obscenitiesinto a TV camera and had to be restrained by Guus Hiddink. Drogba allegedlycontinued venting his fury in the tunnel, punching a wall into the bargain.Ballack blew his top when Ovrebo failed to award a penalty against Samuel Eto'o for handball at the death. He chased thereferee and jumped up and down screaming into his face. He then wentback for more at the end and is alleged to have carried on his tirade in the tunnel.In an interview with Portuguese TV afterthe game, Bosingwa claimed Ovrebo 'hadbeen bought' before calling him a 'thief' and insisting he should never refereeagain. He later retracted his comments in a blatant attempt to save his skin.What he'll getWhat he'll getWhat he'll getIt will depend on how much weight his apology carries with UEFA, who have given six-month bans for similar incidents.If Ovrebo's report states that Ballack usedabusive language towards him, the severity of his punishment will increase.A three-match ban and a fine are likely.Retraction or not, UEFA are likely to take a very dim view of a player claiming anofficial is corrupt. Bosingwa can expect a five-figure fine for his outburst.Sportsmail's verdictSportsmail's verdictSportsmail's verdictThere is no excuse for Drogba's behaviourno matter how poor the referee was. Hetarnished the image of his club and mayhave put his Chelsea career in jeopardy.A lamentable display which would have grabbed more headlines had it not beenfor Drogba's antics. Staying in control in such circumstances is not easy but it is expected of professional footballers.After such an impressive performance against Lionel Messi, Bosingwa blows it all by opening his mouth and inserting his foot. His comments will not only have incensed UEFA but also his club, whoalready had enough on their plate. Oh, please let it have all been a bad dream!: Ovrebo naps on the plane to Oslo after his dozy display at Stamford Bridge enraged Ballack[LNB] Get Drogba out of here: Chelsea owner Abramovich loses patience after striker's tantrumGRAHAM POLL WEBCHAT: Were Chelsea robbed? Does Darren Fletcher deserve to have his red card rescinded? UEFA confirm Drogba could be facing action - if ref makes official complaintEnemies of the game (part II): Drogba back in Bridge doghouse as he loses the moral high ground [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail