Chelsea duo have bans cut

Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa have had their suspensions cut by UEFA following their behaviour after last season's Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Barcelona.

Drogba will be banned for three games rather than four with a further two-match suspension which will be deferred for a probationary period of three years.

Bosingwa's ban has been cut from three to two games with a further one-match suspended punishment.

Striker Drogba was outraged that referee Tom Henning Ovrebo rejected a number of penalty appeals by the Blues in their 1-1 draw with Barcelona which saw the Spanish side progress on the away goals rule.

Drogba had to be restrained by team-mates and club staff, while a host of other players confronted the Norwegian official at full-time.

The Ivory Coast striker later issued an apology via the club's official website, saying:"In the heat of the moment I let out my huge frustration and disappointment. For that, I apologise.

"I was very upset at what happened during the game. I also fully accept that the language I used did not set a good example for those watching at home, especially children."

Meanwhile, Portugal international Carvalho had said in the aftermath of the controversial game:"This referee was bought. I do not know if he is a referee or a thief. There are no words to describe the person that was on the pitch here.

"We are all sad, but we have to raise our heads high again. There is nothing to say about Barcelona's goal, but there were penalties that were not awarded.

"The way he refereed the match was not the most correct one. He should never referee again."

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