Drogba: I will accept UEFA punishment

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Didier Drogba says he will accept any punishment given to him by Uefa over his actions following Chelsea's Champions League exit to Barcelona.

Uefa has charged Blues duo Drogba and Jose Bosingwa for insulting the referee after their semi-final exit in May.

But striker Drogba says he will not fight any ban handed down to him when Uefa deals with the case on 17 June.

"It's not easy but I think that whatever I did and the decision they take I will accept it," said Drogba.

"I will do my suspension and, after that, I will come back stronger."

Disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against Chelsea for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their fans.

The Blues lost their semi-final after a series of controversial refereeing decisions by Tom Henning Ovrebo.

The Norwegian turned down a host of strong penalty appeals from Chelsea during their 1-1, second leg game at Stamford Bridge on 6 May that saw Barca go through on away goals.

Drogba and several team-mates surrounded Ovrebo after the final whistle to remonstrate with the Norwegian official over several of his decisions.

606: DEBATE

What do you make of the charges issued by Uefa?

The Ivorian continued his verbal attack even after being cautioned, and had to be restrained as Ovrebo went down the tunnel.

"My behaviour was not what Uefa and everyone wants to see in a football stadium," added Drogba.

Former Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink had said he hoped Uefa "might perfectly understand that the big apology of his was OK."

But a Uefa statement said: "The club are charged with the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters.

"Drogba and Bosingwa are accused of being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee by making offensive comments."

Chelsea issued a statement later on Friday saying the club would respond to the charges in "due course".

The statement said: "We would like to make clear again, as we did at the time, that the incidents in question were regrettable and occurred only because of the high emotions and frustrations which arose from the disappointment of a controversial defeat in such an important game.

"We are all acutely aware of the responsibilities that lie with both the club and its players as regards setting a good example as role models and upholding the principles of fair play in football. Both of the players accept that and apologised honestly very soon afterwards for their actions."

Bosingwa is in trouble for comments he made to Portuguese television station RTP after the game.

"I don't know if he's a referee or a thief," said Bosingwa at the time. "I don't have any words to describe that man that was on the pitch."

He later also issued an apology, saying: "We were all very disappointed and frustrated after the game, but I regret describing the referee as a thief. Having had some time to reflect I would like to withdraw those comments."

From the BBC; http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8043277.stm

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Heres hoping this is the motivation he needs to start next season off with a bang.

Serve your suspension DD, then come out fighting and show The world what you're really made of.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Ancelotti also really wanted Drogba to come to Milan last summer; he clearly likes the player. Hopefully this is a start of a great relationship between player and manager.

[SystemBlueBob 0]

Ancelotti also really wanted Drogba to come to Milan last summer

People forget that

Anc coming on means Drogba is staying

[warnie_666 1,081]

Heres hoping this is the motivation he needs to start next season off with a bang.

Serve your suspension DD, then come out fighting and show The world what you're really made of.

Sounds strange coming from you...Werent you the first one to jump onto the "lets slag drogba" bandwagon...

[SystemBlueBob 0]

Sounds strange coming from you...Werent you the first one to jump onto the "lets slag drogba" bandwagon...

To be fair, our fan base had quite a few of those :huh:

[Laylabelle 9,408]

Ancelotti also really wanted Drogba to come to Milan last summer; he clearly likes the player. Hopefully this is a start of a great relationship between player and manager.

Hopfully we need Drogba playing the way he is defo