DIDIER DROGBA'S role in the ugly FA Cup invasion at White
Hart Lane is being investigated by the Football Association.
Disciplinary chiefs have requested video evidence from Sky TV after
the amazing bust-up involving supporter Tim Smith after Chelsea's
2-1 quarter-final win at Tottenham.
Drogba could be banned or fined if found guilty of any wrongdoing
after Spurs fans besieged radio and TV phone-ins to complain about
the Chelsea players' conduct at the final whistle. Television
pictures appear to show Drogba stamping on Smith, who ran on to the
pitch to try to attack Chelsea star Frank Lampard.
Blues fitness coach Rui Faria grabbed the fan and wrestled him to
the ground - and it was at that moment Drogba appears to go for
Smith, who had by that time been restrained. The FA is unlikely to
take action against Spurs but, after studying TV footage, may yet
act against any Chelsea players deemed to have done anything
wrong.
John Terry and Ashley Cole went to defend Lampard but the video
evidence is most damning towards Drogba. And if he is found guilty
and punished Chelsea's title run-in could be disrupted.
Spurs fans complained that Chelsea players' celebrations incited
the bust-up. Season-ticket holder Dave Bolton, of Muswell Hill,
said: "The Chelsea players were going mental and it is no wonder
that Spurs fans got so upset."
Tottenham stewards also complained that the Blues stars went over
the top, but the FA is unlikely to take action against Chelsea.
Spurs have banned Smith for life and Chelsea are likely to dish out
a similar measure to a Blues fan who also got on to the pitch. Both
were arrested.
The FA described the incident as "totally unacceptable". A
spokesman added: "We understand both individuals were arrested and
expect them to be given banning orders."
