Zola offers Drogba support

Former Chelsea ace says striker must have been provoked

Last updated: 14th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Zola offers Drogba support

Drogba: Fair player

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Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has offered his support to Didier Drogba, insisting the striker must have been provoked into throwing a coin into the crowd.

Drogba is facing a police and Football Association investigation following an incident during Chelsea's Carling Cup clash with Burnley on Wednesday night.

After putting the Blues in front at Stamford Bridge, Drogba chucked a coin back into the crowd after celebrating his goal.

He is widely expected to be hit with a suspension from the FA, but Zola can understand why the Ivory Coast ace reacted in such a manner.

Former Blues star Zola believes Drogba is an 'honest' player and is hoping for 'common sense' to be used by both players and fans in future situations.

Straight player

"I know Drogba is a very composed and honest player," said Zola. "He is always fair.

"If he reacted, maybe he has been insulted and that is not good in football.

"A couple of weeks ago there was an anti-racism campaign. I don't know if this was a racist act or not.

"The crowd has to respect the players, and the other way round.

"I don't know what happened, but I know he is a fair player and an honest player - a straight player.

"You have to understand they are human beings and when you are playing an important match you are under pressure.

"Sometimes your composure can be lost. It's not easy, you are walking on the edge all the time.

"A little bit of common sense is good from both sides. There have been a couple of situations when I was struggling on the pitch and getting abuse from the crowd. I was very close to reacting.

"It's totally understandable. Some moments you can hold yourself and others you can lose it a little bit."