UEFA charge Drogba, Bosingwa and Chelsea

Chelsea players Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa have been charged with a breach of sportsmanship and insulting the referee following the club's Champions League defeat by Barcelona, UEFA said yesterday.

European football's governing body also said Chelsea had been charged over the improper conduct of their players and fans at Stamford Bridge where Barclona equalised deep into stoppage time to reach the Champions League final.

"UEFA has today announced that it has instigated disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea FC and two Chelsea FC players, Didier Drogba and Joseph Bosingwa, following the UEFA Champions League second leg semi-final match at Stamford Bridge," a statement said.

"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 and the two players have until May 29 to file their statements regarding the incidents with UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body to deal with the case on June 17.