Chelsea have now formally appealed against the bans handed out to striker Didier Drogba and right-back Jose Bosingwa, as well as an £85,000 club fine. This follows the after match reaction to the Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

A club statement read: "We have today lodged an appeal against the UEFA bans given to Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa, and the fine imposed against the club.

"We believe these punishments are unnecessarily harsh given the circumstances.

"We would reiterate that the players and the club are acutely aware of our responsibilities towards setting a good example as role models and upholding the values of the game.

"That is why honest and sincere apologies were made swiftly after these regrettable incidents occurred."