Didier Drogba has officially been charged by the Football Association with violent conduct. The charge is a result of the coin throwing incident during the Carling cup tie with Burnley last Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.
The flash point came after Drogba had scored for Chelsea and celebrated in front of the away fans. Objects were thrown onto the pitch and Drogba reacted angrily, firstly by making an obscene hand gesture and then by picking up a coin and hurling it indiscriminately into the crowd.
The F.A. have also requested further information from both clubs and are liaising with the Metropolitan Police in an attempt to identify the missile throwing Burnley fans, who if caught could be banned from attending football matches for life.
So what punishment can Drogba expect? A similar incident occurred in 2002 during a F.A. cup tie at Highbury between Arsenal and Liverpool. Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also threw a coin back into the crowd after missiles were thrown at him, but he was sent off by the referee and the F.A. decided that the three match ban for the red card was a sufficient punishment.
Drogba was yellow carded by referee Keith Stroud who reportedly informed the F.A. that this was for celebrating in front of the Burnley fans and that he did not see the coin throwing incident.
In my opinion the F.A. set a precedent with Carragher's ban and Drogba should receive no more. Whilst not excusing his behaviour, especially as he could have no idea who the coin might hit when he threw it back, footballers should not have to deal with objects being hurled at them and i can understand his anger in the heat of the moment.
What punishment do you think Drogba should receive? Is a life ban excessive for any fan caught throwing a missile?
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