Chelsea to appeal against Drogba, Bosingwa bans

Chelsea has told UEFA it will appeal against the European bans handed out to striker Didier Drogba and defender Jose Bosingwa resulting from their conduct during the Champions League semifinals last month.

Drogba was given a six-match ban, the last two games suspended for two years, for his angry confrontation with referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after being eliminated by Barcelona.

"There were three or four clear penalty decisions that we should have had that night and that's something as a fan and as a player you will never forget," captain John Terry said on Friday. "It was disappointing. I would like the people in charge [at UEFA] to take these things into perspective and realize that after the game Didier came out and apologised for his actions.

"I think he realises that kids were watching and he deserves a ban. But to that extent? I really don't think so. Maybe a two-match ban."

For branding the referee a "thief" for denying penalties, Bosingwa was handed a four-match ban, the last game suspended for two years, by European football's governing body.

"Obviously every player was feeling what Bosingwa felt and thankfully nobody else said what he said," Terry said. "But he said what every fan and every player was thinking."

Chelsea also intends appealing against the euro100,000 ($NZ219,430) fine for the improper conduct of its players and for the throwing of missiles by its supporters.

AP