Gregg Roughley 

Drogba charged with violent conduct by FA over coin-throwing incident

The FA has charged Didier Drogba with misconduct after he threw a coin towards Burnley fans
  
  

Didier Drogba throws an object back at Burnley fans
Drogba throws an object back at Burnley fans. Photograph: Scott Heavey/Action Images Photograph: Scott Heavey/Action Images

The Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association for throwing a coin at Burnley fans during the Carling Cup fourth-round tie on Wednesday. Drogba has until 6pm on Monday to respond to the charge. Following that, a Regulatory Commission will hear the case on Tuesday November 18.

The FA set a precedent in 2002 when Jamie Carragher was handed a three-match ban after being sent off for throwing a coin back into Arsenal's support at Highbury. An FA spokesman said: "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 on to the pitch. The priority now is to work with the clubs and the police to identify the individuals involved. The FA wants anyone found guilty of throwing missiles to face the strongest possible action. That includes life bans from attending football matches."

The FA confirmed that it has written to both Chelsea and Burnley to request information on missiles thrown at Chelsea players from the Burnley section. The Metropolitan police are now focusing on searching for the fan who threw the coin.

Chelsea said this evening they would co-operate fully with the FA and Metropolitan Police regarding the incident. "We welcome Burnley's assistance in trying to help identify the small minority of their support who spoiled a great occasion for their club," a club statement read.

"Although Didier Drogba was hit by an object, that does not excuse his subsequent actions. He also recognises that, has not sought to justify it that way, has sincerely expressed his regret and has apologised for the incident. The matter will be dealt with internally by the club after the FA and police processes are completed."

Ealier today Frank Lampard called for the Football Association to punish Burnley's supporters and not Drogba. "There are two sides to it," said Lampard. "Didier's come out and there's been a reaction, a human reaction I have to say, which Jamie Carragher made once. He's come out straight away and said he's made a mistake. People have got to stop throwing things on the pitch. I was around Didier at the time and I don't know how many coins there were around. We've seen referees getting hit, too, so I think people have to take responsibility as a group."

Lampard also expressed concern that if Drogba is punished it might encourage fans to throw more missiles at players. "If Didier gets banned, are fans going to do this more to provoke people? Who knows?" said Lampard. "I take quite a lot of corners and it's not unusual to get things thrown at you and lots of abuse, too, and I think it's got to a stage now where it's got to stop."

 

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