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FA ban puts Drogba out of Arsenal showdown
Simon Johnson, Football Correspondent18 Nov 2008
Didier Drogba will miss the London derby with Arsenal on Sunday 30 November after the Football Association today banned him for three matches for violent conduct.
The Chelsea striker will also be suspended for the home game with Newcastle (22 November) and the away trip to Bolton (6 December) after admitting a charge of throwing a coin into the crowd at Stamford Bridge.
Drogba had reacted angrily after the object was hurled in his direction after he scored against Burnley in the Carling Cup defeat last week.
The striker, who also made a vulgar gesture towards the away fans, apologised immediately but the FA still decided to punish the player.
A statement issued by the FA read: “At a regulatory commission today, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was given a three-match suspension.
“Drogba admitted a charge of violent conduct. The charge related to Drogba throwing a missile into the away section of the crowd after scoring during the Carling Cup match against Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 12 November.
“Drogba will serve the suspension with immediate effect.”
Hammersmith and Fulham Police continue to liaise with the FA and Chelsea in an attempt to identify the fan who threw the coin at Drogba as he celebrated scoring his goal. So far, no arrest has been made.
The police are studying CCTV from inside Stamford Bridge as well as reviewing Sky's coverage of the game. They are also in contact with Burnley Police.
Reader views (5)
OK arm yourself fans. Take a handfull of coins. Choose a player of your choice. Take aim and watch him sit on the sidelines for 3 games. Job done! This is the message the
FA is giving us!
- Jamie B, London, UK, 19/11/2008 10:21
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We can now assume that the fan who threw the coin in the first place will receive a 3 match ban if caught?
- James, Burnley, 19/11/2008 09:16
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Why not ban Drogba for life and award the fan who threw the coin a ten year seasonal ticket and then increase the award every time the fan hits his target in future matches increasing the award on how much injury he inflicts on the player eg twenty year s for blinding and lifetime if he really gets lucky and takes out the player For Gods sake please please keep things in preportion the perpetrator should take full responsibity and the club take the rap, FINE THE CLUB, hit them where it hurts, in the pocket and points before players really get hurt !
- Denis De Jersey, hereford UK, 18/11/2008 20:23
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If this had been a spectator he would have been banned from a foot ball ground for live so why only the three match ban for Drogba.
- Jack Flash, Hull, 18/11/2008 17:27
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All I can say is I'm pleased he is banned as he seems to destroy us single-handedly. Now our midget centre-halves stand a chance!
- Rob Gooner, North London, 18/11/2008 16:52
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