Uefa reduces Chelsea duo's bans

Jul 15, 2009, 17:36 GMT

London - Uefa announced on Wednesday that it has reduced the bans handed to Chelsea players Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa, following an appeal by the club.

Both received the penalties for their protests after Chelsea's Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona.

'Under the Uefa Appeals Body's verdicts, Drogba will be suspended for five Uefa club competition matches - the last two of which will be deferred for a probationary period of three years - and has been fined 15,000 Euros (21,000 dollars),' a statement on Uefa's website said.

'Bosingwa will be suspended for three Uefa club competition matches, the last of which is deferred for a probationary period of three years, and fined 10,000 Euros.'

'The 100,000-Euro fine imposed against Chelsea by the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body remains confirmed (as the club withdrew their appeal), for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters at the match against Barcelona.'

Drogba verbally abused referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the final whistle, while Bosingwa called him a 'thief' in a television interview.

They were furious that Chelsea had a number of penalty appeals turned down, allowing Andres Iniesta to score a late equaliser than won the tie on the away goals rule.