Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is expected to escape a lengthy ban after his Champions League dismissal this week.

The Times says the 32-year-old is still carrying a two-match suspended ban for his aggressive behaviour towards Tom Henning Ovrebo, the referee, in last season's semi-final against Barcelona, but the suspended element of the sentence is believed to relate specifically to his interaction with match officials, rather than incidents during games.

Drogba was shown a straight red after trodding on Inter Milan midfielder Thiago Motta.

"The referee was a bit hard on me for this red card," Drogba said.

"I stepped on his tendon, but it was not intentional and I was more focused on the cross and the ball. I'm going to try to make it better. All have been unhappy endings, so I hope next season the Champions League will be mine.

"I'm really happy here and most of the players here are really happy, and we want to stay here and continue the adventure. It will mean a lot to win together next season, because we have been trying hard for such a long time. I hope there is more from this team."