Nyon, Switzerland: UEFA banned Chelsea striker Didier Drogba for four matches on Wednesday because of his foulmouthed rant at the referee after Chelsea's semifinal elimination from the Champions League.
European football's governing body also suspended defender Jose Bosingwa for three matches for making offensive comments about Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were ordered to pay Euro100,000 ($138,400) for the improper conduct of its players and fans at the May 6 second-leg match, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Barcelona scored a late equalizer to advance on away goals to the final, where it then beat Manchester United to claims its third European Cup.
Drogba approached Ovrebo after the match in a finger-waving outburst, and was pulled away by security staff and Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink while yelling an expletive toward a television camera.
Portuguese defender Bosingwa compared Ovrebo to a "thief" in a post-match television interview.
UEFA said in a statement that Drogba's ban was for six matches, with the last two deferred over a probationary period of two years. Bosingwa's suspension was for four matches, with one deferred.
Chelsea have three days to appeal the decision.
Ovrebo denied several penalty appeals in the match at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea had said the post-match incidents 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."
Michael Ballack escaped being charged despite aggressively chasing after Ovrebo when a late penalty appeal was rejected. The German midfielder's action occurred during the match and is judged to have been dealt with by the referee on the field of play.
Competition organizer UEFA had this season renewed its campaign calling for players, clubs and fans to respect match officials.
The ban, if it stands, could lessen the appeal of Drogba to potential suitors. Speculation has grown that the Ivory coast striker, who was sent off in last year's Champions League final loss to Manchester United, will be sold by Chelsea this summer. Serie A champion Inter Milan, led by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, has been linked with a possible move for Drogba.
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