Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa hit by UEFA charges

Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa have been charged by UEFA over their behaviour at the end of the Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona.

The club were also charged by Europe's governing body for failing to control their players and the throwing of missiles by supporters at Stamford Bridge.

UEFA have taken three weeks to analyse the evidence surrounding the events that centred on on the performance of referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.
The official ignored four penalty appeals as Chelsea crashed out on away goals, sparking shocking protest scenes at the end of the game.

Although Drogba and Bosingwa have been charged, Ballack and Terry will escape punishment for their part in the controversy.

Drogba is facing a lengthy ban for his part in the affair after he remonstrated with Ovrebo on the pitch and then shouted obscenities into a television camera.

Bosingwa is in hot water after branding Ovrebo a "thief" during a post-match television interview.

A UEFA spokesman said: "UEFA confirms charges against Chelsea. The disciplinary proceedings are based on the following charges:

"Chelsea FC for being responsible for the improper conduct of players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters. Didier Drogba and Joseph Bosingwa for being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee by making offensive comments. Chelsea FC and the players concerned are requested to file their statement by Friday 29 May 2009. The UEFA Control & Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on 17 June 2009."

Earlier, Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink today urged UEFA not to punish the club too severely.

The Dutchman hoped that the swift apologies issued by several players — including Drogba and Bosingwa — should be taken into account by UEFA's disciplinary committee.

He said: "I have said that the players have made their apology and we need to consider that and I hope UEFA does the same when it comes to their decision.

"But, if we are charged, it would not be a regret in terms of my time here at the club.
"I regret nothing about what has happened."

Hiddink also confirmed he would play a strong side against relegation-threatened Sunderland on Sunday, regardless of Chelsea's involvement in the FA Cup Final against Everton six days later.

The Sunderland match at the Stadium of Light is Hiddink's final league game in charge. Ricky Sbragia's team need a win to guarantee their survival in the Premier League next season.