Chelsea players Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa have been charged with misconduct by UEFA after ugly scenes at the end of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on May 6.
The European governing body has also brought disciplinary proceedings against the Premier League club for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their fans.
Barcelona went through to the final against Manchester United next Wednesday on away goals after the match ended in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Ivory Coast captain Drogba harangued Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the final whistle before directing a foul-mouthed tirade at a television camera while Bosingwa made disparaging remarks about Ovrebo in the media. Both face charges of bad sportsmanship.
"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."
A tense semi-final turned nasty when Barcelona's Andres Iniesta scored in the third minute of stoppage time to level an early goal by Chelsea's Michael Essien, sending Chelsea out on the away goals rule.
Drogba, and other Chelsea players, were furious that several strong penalty claims had been turned down during the match. Bosingwa later described the referee as "a thief" when talking to Portuguese television.
Both players apologised for their reactions while the club issued a statement saying that while the events were regrettable they were born out of the "high emotions and frustrations which arose from a controversial defeat".
Michael Ballack has escaped any charges despite charging after Ovrebo when another penalty appeal was waved away as Chelsea searched for a last-gasp winner. UEFA has asked Chelsea for statements from the club and the two players by May 29. The Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on June 17.
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