Didier Drogba Banned For Three Games

The FA have announced that the Ivorian will spend three games on the sidelines, beginning with immediate effect.

That means that The Blues will be without their influential striker for the weekend meeting with Newcastle, the following week's crunch clash with Arsenal, and the December 6th trip to Bolton Wanderers.

As the midweek journey to Bordeaux in the Champions League does not fall under FA jurisdiction, the former Marseille man will be available for this European clash.

Drogba opted not to contest charges of "violent conduct" after he threw a coin, which was apparently launched at him, back into the crowd at Burnley's Turf Moor stadium.

Chelsea went on to lose their Carling Cup meeting with the northern side on penalties.