Chelsea in bid to save Drogba from FA ban

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Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has pleaded with the Football Association to show leniency when the regulatory committee meet today to decide Didier Drogba's punishment for throwing a coin at Burnley fans.

Drogba has admitted an FA charge of violent conduct and is in danger of being banned for more than three games as he was also seen making a vulgar gesture toward Burnley supporters, which may be regarded as a separate incident.

The Ivory Coast international apologised for his actions immediately after the Carling Cup tie last week but there was little chance of the striker escaping disciplinary action.

Buck hopes Drogba won't be treated too severely and said: "Didier did something he should not have done. However, you have to look at the fans. I believe the FA will take a look and find the culprits.

"To his credit, Didier apologised publicly almost immediately after the game. I hope the FA will give him a punishment that fits the crime."

At the very least, Drogba is expected to miss Chelsea's Premier League games against Newcastle, Arsenal and Bolton. He could also be fined two weeks' wages by the club, amounting to £180,000. Buck confirmed the striker "knows we're not happy".

Hammersmith and Fulham Police continue to liaise with the FA and Chelsea in an attempt to identify the fan who threw the coin at Drogba as he celebrated scoring his goal. So far, no arrest has been made.

The police are studying CCTV from inside Stamford Bridge as well as reviewing Sky's coverage of the game. They are also in contact with Burnley Police.

Leaflets were handed to Burnley fans before Saturday's game at Queens Park Rangers inviting anyone who witnessed the coin being thrown to come forward.

Meanwhile, Buck insisted that defender Michael Mancienne, who is in England's squad to face Germany tomorrow, has a long-term future at Chelsea.

The 20-year-old is on loan at Wolves having spent most of the previous two seasons on loan at QPR. But Buck said: "He is a very good young player and we look forward to him at some point making it into the first team.

"Unfortunately, we have lots of good players who play in the same position so in the last couple of years we've sent him out on loan to gain experience."

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