AFP

Geneva, Jun 18: Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was on Wednesday banned from European competition for six matches, two of which are suspended, while full-back
Jose Bosingwa was handed a four-game ban, with one match suspended, UEFA's disciplinary committee announced.

The decision follows the angry scenes that marred Chelsea's elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona after a 1-1 draw between the clubs in the second leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge on May 6.

"Drogba and Bosingwa were facing charges of being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee and by making offensive comments," read a statement on the UEFA website.

"Drogba's suspension applies to the next four UEFA club competition matches for which the player would be eligible, while Bosingwa's suspension applies to the next three UEFA club competition matches for which the player would be eligible."

Chelsea crashed out of Europe's premier club competition after Andres Iniesta's injury-time equaliser for Barcelona took the Catalans through to the final on the away goals rule.

The Blues had a number of penalty appeals turned down during the match by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and Ivory Coast international Drogba, who had been substituted, came back onto the pitch to harangue the official after the final whistle.

Portuguese defender Bosingwa, meanwhile, likened Ovrebo to a "thief" in a post-match interview before withdrawing his comments.

The club and the players have three days in which to appeal the decision.

Chelsea have also been fined 100,000 euros for "the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters".

The Premier League club issued a statement from London, saying: "Chelsea Football Club is considering our response to the UEFA punishment that sees Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa suspended for European games and the club fined."