He was yesterday handed a three-match ban for violent conduct, and will also miss his club's top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal.

Drogba had already apologised for throwing a coin back at Burnley fans as he celebrated scoring Chelsea's opening goal in the Carling Cup fourth-round tie last week.

But the Ivorian, who also admitted the charge, was given a three-game suspension by an FA Regulatory Commission.

It puts Drogba out of Saturday's game with Newcastle, their home game against Arsenal, and the trip to Bolton on December 6.

He could also be fined two weeks' wages by the club - believed to be around £180,000 - after Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck confirmed Drogba knew the club were "not happy".

Buck had expressed hope that the FA would show Drogba some leniency, especially after the player issued a post-match apology for his actions.

"Didier did something he should not have done," said Buck. "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."

Hammersmith and Fulham Police continue to liaise with the FA and Chelsea in a bid to track down the fan who initially threw the coin at the striker.

Police are studying CCTV footage from inside Stamford Bridge, as well as reviewing Sky TV's coverage of the game. They are also in contact with Lancashire Police but so far no arrests have been made.