Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa have
had their European bans reduced by one game each on
appeal.
UEFA have reduced the punishments to the pair after their
conduct in the wake of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final
elimination by Barcelona in May.
Ivory Coast frontman Drogba will now miss the first three of
Chelsea's Champions League games this season and Bosingwa the first
two.
A statement on UEFA's official website read: "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. 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."
Drogba and Bosingwa faced charges of being in breach of the
principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee by making
offensive comments.
Drogba launched a foul-mouthed rant at Norwegian referee Tom
Henning Ovrebo after the final whistle of Chelsea's second-leg
against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on May 6.
The Blues conceded a last-gasp equaliser to draw the game 1-1
and go out on away goals and there were angry scenes afterwards
with Cherious at having four penalty claims turned down.
Drogba, who had been substituted in the second half, appeared
from the tunnel to confront the referee.
Bosingwa later described Ovrebo as a "thief" in an interview on
Portuguese television.
Both players apologised for their behaviour.
The UEFA statement added: "The 100,000 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."
teamtalk.