Uefa reduce Didier Drogba's European ban

15 July 2009 17:31
Uefa's appeals body lowered the ban after the Chelsea striker pleaded his case in person alongside team-mate Jose Bosingwa at a closed-doors hearing. A suspended ban for another two games is still in place. Bosingwa's suspension was reduced from three matches to two, for the defender's offensive comments about Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo. Drogba did admit following the game that he expected Uefa to punish him for his actions He said: "Whatever I did and the decision they take, I will accept it because my behaviour was not what Uefa and what everyone wants to see in a football stadium. I will do my suspension and, after that, I will come back stronger." Initially the Ivory Coast striker, who was offered a new three-year deal to stay at Stamford Bridge at the end of last season, said he had no intention of appealing the ban which was imposed alongside a 100,000 euro fine for the club for the improper conduct of their players and for the throwing of missiles by their supporters at the end of the fiery contest. Barcelona scored a late goal in the May 6 semi-final second leg to snatch a 1-1 draw and advance on away goals to the final, where they then beat Manchester United to claim its third European Cup.

Source: Telegraph