Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been handed a three-match suspension, after admitting to an FA charge of violent conduct for throwing a coin in the direction of Burnley fans.

The Ivory Coast striker was charged after appearing to gesture and then throw an object back into the visiting fans at Stamford Bridge during the Carling Cup fourth round tie last week, which the Blues eventually lost 5-4 on penalties.

A short statement from the FA confirmed: "At a Regulatory Commission, Chelsea forward Didier Drogba was given a three-match suspension.

"Drogba admitted a charge of violent conduct. The charge related to Drogba throwing a missile into the away section of the crowd after scoring during the League Cup match against Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 12 November.

"Drogba will serve the suspension with immediate effect."

The 30-year-old had apologised for his conduct straight after the game against the Clarets, telling his club's official website: "This is something I want to make clear. I tried to celebrate the goal and I received some things at me.

"The big mistake I did was to throw it back, so if someone was hurt I just want to apologise for it.

"This is not something I should show in a football match and I want to apologise. It was an incident in the heat of the moment and I regret it.

"It was just a mistake and nothing more."