Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has today lodged an appeal against the UEFA bans given to Didier Drogba and José Bosingwa, and the fine imposed against the club. We believe these punishments are unnecessarily harsh given the circumstances.

We would reiterate that the players and the club are acutely aware of our responsibilities towards setting a good example as role models and upholding the values of the game.

That is why honest and sincere apologies were made swiftly after these regrettable incidents occurred.