Blues: No excuses for Drogba
Chelsea have labelled Didier Drogba’s decision to throw a coin back at Burnley fans as “inexcusable”.
Chelsea lost the Carling Cup fourth-round tie clash with the Clarets 5-4 on penalties and Drogba issued a post-match apology for his actions.
The 30-year-old is almost certain to be fined by the club once investigations by the Football Association and the police have been completed.
The FA yesterday charged the striker with violent conduct and he could face a three-match ban if he is found guilty.
In 2002, Liverpool defender Carragher was given a three-match ban after being sent off for a similar offence against Arsenal at Highbury.
Drogba hurled the coin back into the crowd while celebrating his first goal of the season against the Championship side.
The game ended 1-1 after extra-time but Brian Jensen sent Burnley into the quarter-finals with penalty saves from Wayne Bridge and John Mikel Obi.
Referee Keith Stroud told the FA he had booked Drogba for going towards the opposing fans but did not see him throw the coin into the crowd.
Chelsea insist they will co-operate fully with both the FA and police inquiries and have pledged to work with Burnley in a bid to identify the fan who threw the coin at Drogba.
A statement from Chelsea read: “We welcome Burnley’s assistance in trying to help identify the small minority of their support who spoiled a great occasion for their club.
“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.”
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 want anyone found guilty of throwing missiles to face the strongest possible action. That includes life bans from attending football matches.”
Burnley chairman Barry Kilby warned the club would ’act with the utmost severity’ if the person responsible for throwing a coin at Drogba is identified.
“We take seriously any incident that might tarnish our good name and if the culprit who allegedly threw a coin can be identified, the club will act with the utmost severity,” Kilby said in a statement issued by the club.
“We are also happy to co-operate with any inquiry into the incident, either by the FA or Chelsea. In closing we do not believe this matter should detract from one of the club’s most memorable nights in recent times.”
In the meantime, Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s injury worries increased when it was discovered last night that goalkeeper Petr Cech had been ruled out of the clash with West Brom today.
The Czech Republic keeper has a calf problem and will also miss the international clash with San Marino next week.
