Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.
Chelsea striker faces violent conduct rap
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.
The charge follows Drogba's actions after scoring the opening goal in Wednesday's Carling Cup tie with Burnley when he made an offensive gesture and threw a coin back at the visiting fans after being struck by objects hurled from the crowd.
The Ivory Coast international issued an apology immediately after the match which Burnley went on to win 5-4 on penalties.
Drogba has until 6pm on Monday to respond to the charge and a regulatory commission will hear the case on Tuesday.
Referee Keith Stroud informed the FA that he booked Drogba for celebrating in front of the away supporters, but did not see the coin-throwing incident.
Missiles
The FA have requested further information from both Chelsea and Burnley and are liaising with the Metropolitan Police, who have launched their own investigation into the incident.
The game's governing body have condemned the actions of the visiting supporters who threw coins at Drogba and have warned the culprits they face a possible life ban from attending football matches.
An FA spokesman said: "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 wants anyone found guilty of throwing missiles to face the strongest possible action.
"That includes life bans from attending football matches."
