FA ban puts Drogba out of Arsenal showdown

Didier Drogba will miss the London derby with Arsenal on Sunday 30 November after the Football Association today banned him for three matches for violent conduct.

The Chelsea striker will also be suspended for the home game with Newcastle (22 November) and the away trip to Bolton (6 December) after admitting a charge of throwing a coin into the crowd at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba had reacted angrily after the object was hurled in his direction after he scored against Burnley in the Carling Cup defeat last week.

The striker, who also made a vulgar gesture towards the away fans, apologised immediately but the FA still decided to punish the player.

A statement issued by the FA read: "At a regulatory commission today, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was given a three-match suspension.

"Drogba admitted a charge of violent conduct. The charge related to Drogba throwing a missile into the away section of the crowd after scoring during the Carling Cup match against Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 12 November.