Drogba collects two-game Euro ban

Mar 30, 2010, 12:45 GMT

London - Europe's governing body UEFA imposed a two-game suspension on Didier Drogba on Tuesday following the Chelsea striker's red card against Inter Milan in the last 16.

Drogba was sent off for stamping on Thiago Motta during Chelsea's 1-0 defeat on March 16.

He already had a suspended two-match ban hanging over him as part of his punishment for aggressive behaviour towards referee Tom Henning Ovrebo in last season's semi-final defeat to Barcelona.

That related specifically to offences against match officials, so has not been invoked, although the probationary period has been extended from July 2011 to July 2013.

'Chelsea FC striker Didier Drogba has been suspended by UEFA's control and disciplinary body for two European club competition matches after being sent off in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg against FC Internazionale Milano in London on 16 March,' a UEFA statement said.

'The suspension applies to the next two UEFA club competition matches for which Drogba would be eligible.

'The player's existing period of probation, which began on 15 July 2009 and was originally intended to run for two years, has also been extended to 15 July 2013.

'An appeal may be lodged within three days of the sending of the reasoned decision.'