Drogba, Bosingwa and Chelsea charged over Barca fracas
Didier Drogba facing Uefa rap after raging at officials on live TV
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Friday, 22, May 2009 11:45
European football's governing body Uefa has charged Chelsea and two of their players with improper conduct over the aftermath of their Champions League defeat by Barcelona earlier this month.
The club are accused of failing to control their players and face an additional charge against the throwing of missiles by their supporters after the final whistle of their controversial 1-1 draw against the Spanish club at Stamford Bridge on May 6th.
When directly addressing a live TV camera during protestations at the final whistle, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba described referee Tom Henning Ovrebo's performance during the game as "a f*****g disgrace" after he had turned down numerous penalty appeals for the home side.
Drogba has been charged with "being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee [and] by making offensive comments".
In an interview shortly after the game full-back Jose Bosingwa called the referee "a thief" and hinted that a Uefa conspiracy had denied Chelsea a place in the final as European audiences did not want another all-English final.
The Portuguese defender later issued an apology and retracted his comments, but he has been hit with the same charge as team-mate Drogba.
In a statement confirming the beginning of disciplinary proceedings, Uefa said it has requested both individuals and the club itself to file statements by Friday May 29th.
The cases will be heard by the governing body's control and disciplinary panel on Wednesday June 17th.
The game itself ensured Barcelona qualified for next week's Champions League final against Manchester United on away goals, following the 0-0 draw in Spain a week earlier.
A goal from Andreas Iniesta in injury time levelled the tie after a spectacular Michael Essien strike had given Chelsea an early lead.