Lampard defends Drogba

Blues star wants crackdown on fans

Last updated: 14th November 2008

Didier Drogba throws v Burnley

Lampard: Supporting Drogba

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Frank Lampard has jumped to the defence of Didier Drogba by calling on the Football Association to take action against the fans who threw coins rather than his team-mate.

Blues striker Drogba is facing an investigation from both The FA and The Metropolitan Police following the coin-throwing incident that marred Burnley's famous Carling Cup win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Drogba has apologised for the offence after reacting to some coins being thrown at him by throwing a coin back into the supporters and making a rude gesture.

Jamie Carragher was handed a three-match ban for a similar incident in 2002 and there have been calls for Drogba to be issued a lengthy suspension.

Lampard has called for leniency for Drogba, but wants the fans who abuse players to be punished.

"There are two sides to it," Lampard told Metro. "Didier's come out and there's been a reaction, a human reaction I have to say, which Jamie Carragher made once.

"He's come out straight away and said he's made a mistake.

"People also have got to stop throwing things on the pitch. I was around Didier at the time and I don't know how many coins there were around.

Responsibility

"We've seen referees getting hit, too, so I think people have to take responsibility as a group.

"Didier has to take responsibility as an individual. I hope he doesn't get banned, but it's up to The FA, who are investigating it.

"But if Didier gets banned, are fans going to do this more to provoke people? Who knows?

"I take quite a lot of corners and it's not unusual to get things thrown at you and lots of abuse, too, and I think it's got to a stage now where it's got to stop."