LONDON, Nov 19: Didier Drogba was banned for three matches on Tuesday for throwing a coin at Burnley fans during Chelsea’s shock League Cup defeat at Stamford Bridge last week.

The 30-year-old Ivory Coast striker starts his suspension immediately, ruling him out of Premier League matches against Newcastle United, Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers.

“Drogba admitted a charge of violent conduct,” said an FA statement. “The charge related to Drogba throwing a missile into the away section of the crowd after scoring during the League Cup match.”

Drogba issued an apology after Chelsea’s penalty shootout defeat, saying he had been targeted by missiles thrown from an area containing Burnley fans.

“The big mistake I did was to throw it [the coin] back so if somebody got hurt I apologise,” he told his club’s website. “It was an incident in the heat of the moment and I regret it.”

Police were also investigating the incident after receiving a complaint from a member of the public. Both clubs said they would work together with the FA to punish any fans who threw missiles on the pitch.—Reuters