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Scolari defends Drogba in coin-throwing incident

15/11/2008

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has defended Didier Drogba after he was charged by the Football Association (FA) with violent conduct.

The charge relates to the incident when the striker threw a coin back into the crowd that had been aimed at him while he celebrated Chelsea's opening goal against Burnley in the Carling Cup.

Scolari believes the Ivorian should not be viewed as the person responsible for the incident as the coin was only on the pitch as a result of it being aimed at him in the first place.

"Didier went on the pitch to play football," Scolari said. "He didn't go out there with coins in his pockets. It wasn't Didier who started it."

The manager warned that making players responsible in a case such as this could set a dangerous precedent that could cause more fans to throw objects at players in future.

Scolari urged the FA to think carefully about any action they take against Drogba.

"He was happy to have scored a goal and he wasn't starting anything. He hadn't gone out there to fight but to play. The police, the FA, have to think about this," said Scolari.

"Didier apologised after the game but now I want the police to find out who was the man who threw that [coin]. After this we'll look at what happens. I'm not a judge."

Drogba is facing a three-match ban after the Blues revealed they are unlikely to appeal against the charge.

The striker will still be available for today's match against West Bromwich Albion but could miss games against Newcastle, Arsenal and Bolton.