GENEVA (AFP) — UEFA said Friday it will decide next week whether or not to take action against Chelsea striker Didier Drogba for his onslaught on the referee at the end of the Chelsea-Barcelona Champions League tie on Wednesday.
Drogba faces potentially severe sanctions over his furious confrontation of Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovreba after Barcelona's injury time goal sent the London side crashing out of the competition at the semi-final stage.
His case was further aggravated by him screaming into a television camera that the official had been a "fucking disgrace."
UEFA said in a statement that it has received both the referee's and the delegate's reports.
"UEFA is currently examining those reports, as well as gathering additional evidence. It will decide which action to take in the course of next week," it added.
A UEFA spokesman earlier told AFP that UEFA is examining the referee's report to see if they will open a disciplinary case or several cases."
He added that this decision would be made next week as "they are collecting information and proof."
If the department gives the nod for a probe, a disciplinary committee will then meet to decide which sanctions to impose.
Drogba on Thursday apologised for his actions, in a statement published on Chelsea's website, he said: "I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted."
Meanwhile, UEFA said it had also received Manchester United's appeal against Darren Fletcher's Champions League Final suspension.
"The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will meet on Monday to deal with this case," it said.
Fletcher was given a red card during his club's game against Arsenal, and would have to sit out the Rome Final against Barcelona unless he wins the appeal.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
