Blues ace Drogba charged

DIDIER DROGBA has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

The Chelsea striker has been hit with the rap after allegedly throwing a coin at Burnley fans during his side's Carling Cup fourth-round tie on Wednesday.

The Blues lost the tie 5-4 on penalties and the 30-year-old issued an apology for his actions after the game.

But the FA and the Metropolitan Police yesterday confirmed they were investigating the incident.

He now faces at least a three-match ban - the punishment handed out to Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher for a similar offence he committed in 2002.

The FA have also written to Burnley to request information on missiles thrown at Chelsea players from the Clarets' section at Stamford Bridge.

An FA statement said: “Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been charged with violent conduct.

"Drogba is alleged to have thrown a missile into the away section of the crowd after scoring during the League Cup match at Stamford Bridge.”

The incident occurred after the Blues marksman scored the opening goal, with Burnley later equalising and going on to claim a famous penalty shootout victory.

Drogba has until 6pm on Monday to appeal the charge and a regulatory commission will hear the case on Tuesday.

Referee Keith Stroud told the FA he booked the Ivorian for going towards the Burnley fans to celebrate his goal but had not seen the missile incident.

Drogba also appeared to make a gesture towards the Burnley fans after reacting to their taunts during the game.

An FA spokesman added: "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.

"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 Sun

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

The charge follows Drogba's actions after scoring the opening goal in Wednesday's Carling Cup tie with Burnley when he made an offensive gesture and threw a coin back at the visiting fans after being struck by objects hurled from the crowd.

The Ivory Coast international issued an apology immediately after the match which Burnley went on to win 5-4 on penalties.

Drogba has until 6pm on Monday to respond to the charge and a regulatory commission will hear the case on Tuesday.

Referee Keith Stroud informed the FA that he booked Drogba for celebrating in front of the away supporters, but did not see the coin-throwing incident.

Missiles

The FA have requested further information from both Chelsea and Burnley and are liaising with the Metropolitan Police, who have launched their own investigation into the incident.

The game's governing body have condemned the actions of the visiting supporters who threw coins at Drogba and have warned the culprits they face a possible life ban from attending football matches.

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 onto 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."


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