Fantasy investors in Nicolas Anelka will have a smile on their face this evening with today’s news that Didier Drogba had been charged with violent conduct by the FA.
Drogba has been formally charged after returning the Burnley fans’ coin donations during his goal celebrations in Wednesday’s Carling Cup tie. The striker is now set to face a three match ban as a result. Bad news for Drogba, excellent news for Anelka’s fantasy owners who can now wallow in the comfort of another few unchallenged starts for the Premiership’s top scorer…
Chelsea have until 6pm on Monday evening to respond to the charges but, given that the club have now issued a statement condemning Drogba’s actions, an appeal looks unlikely.
Drogba’s ban won’t kick in until after the weekend then, and there’s every chance that the striker will feature in some capacity at the Hawthorns according to reports. However, Anelka will surely keep his place tomorrow and I can’t see Chelsea throwing Drogba into the action – he’ll get a place on the bench at best in my opinion.
The three match ban is yet to be confirmed but will presumably follow after Monday’s curfew for the appeal. Drogba is likely to miss home Premiership matches with Newcastle, Arsenal and the trip to Bolton.