Drogba charged by FA after coin-throwing incident

Reuters

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after he threw a coin towards Burnley fans during the League Cup, fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

The Ivory Coast international has until 1800 GMT on Monday to respond to the charge, the FA said in a statement. The case wil be heard by a Regulatory Commission on Monday.

Drogba reacted after he believed a coin had been thrown at him following his goal. He was seen to pick up an object and throw it at the Burnley fans behind the goal.

He was also booked by referee Keith Stroud for celebrating in front of the Burnley fans when he appeared to gesture with one finger, although the match official said he did not witness the throwing incident.

Drogba could also find himself in trouble with the police after the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday that they had received a complaint from a fan and were investigating.

The FA said it had written to both clubs to request information on missiles thrown at Chelsea players from the Burnley section.

"Players should be able to play football without fearing for their personal safety. It is totally unacceptable for players to be put in danger by supporters throwing missiles onto the pitch," an FA spokesman said.

"The FA wants anyone found guilty of throwing missiles to face the strongest possible action. That includes life bans from attending football matches."

Drogba apologised for his actions immediately after the Burnley game, which Chelsea lost on penalties, although he is expected to face a ban of three matches.

Previous article • Roma pin derby hopes on Totti resurgence
Next article • Football news

Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 22, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Anthony Calleja (on 15/11/08)

Another scandalous anti- Chelsea decision by the FA. As Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp and Luiz Felipe Scolari have said Didier Drogba should not be punished. On the contrary it is the Burnley fans who should be punished and other such hooligans. Both Frank Lampard and Harry Redknapp have had coins thrown at them and as Luiz Felipe Scolari said Didier Drogba did not go into the ground with coins in his pocket. Didier went there to play his best for Chelsea and it was the Burnley fans who attacked him.