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Journalism of Courage
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been banned for six UEFA matches,two of them deferred,for his improper behaviour in last season8217;s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona,UEFA said on Wednesday. His team mate Jose Bosingwa was also suspended for four UEFA matches for his comments after the second leg at Stamford Bridge which ended in a 1-1 draw to send Barca through on away goals. The final match of Bosingwa8217;s ban is also deferred for a probationary period of two years.
Ivory Coast forward Drogba will miss the first four of Chelsea8217;s six group stage matches in the Champions League next season while Bosingwa will sit out half of them. Chelsea were fined 100,000 euros 138,600 for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by the Premier League club8217;s supporters at the end of the tie on May 6. UEFA said on its website http://www.uefa.com that the players and Chelsea had three days to appeal against the decision.
UEFA spokesman Rob Faulkner said the sanctions were 8220;fairly strict but appropriate8221;. Talking to BBC Radio Five he said: 8220;We have to set certain standards. We do have a 8216;Respect8217; campaign and the Uefa president Michel Platini is instrumental behind that. 8220;The players are key to that,in setting a good example both on and off the pitch. The club obviously has a responsibility for the way their players behave as well. 8220;All in all,that8217;s the reasoning for the decision.8221; The London club said on their website http://www.chelseafc.com that they were still considering their response to the punishments.
