Drogba charged for coin-throwing incident
Reuters - Friday 14 November 2008, 13:09
LONDON - 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 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 into 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.
Liverpool's Jamie Carragher served a three-match ban for a
similar incident at Arsenal in 2002.
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