VC against non-players

[OldAndNew]

Much was written about the pitch-invasion incident in Greece (see that thread), but after about 50 posts, I got tired reading it. I was surprised by that point that nobody had mentioned another recent player VC incident:

Chelsea's Drogba is currently serving a 3 match suspension for VC after throwing a coin (or maybe a roll of coins - the favorite weapon of choice in England) back at a lout in the stands. I didn't see the incident. Was it spotted by the ref (and shown the RC), or was it not addressed until a post-game review by the FA?

[Rufusabc]

Don't think he was carded in the match. I think this was a review by the FA. But someone please confirm that is the case.

We did have a sub carded in the Stoke V. Hull match this past weekend for interferring with a throw in by the throw in machine, Mr. Delap.

[code1390]

He was not shown a card during the game. The referee didn't see it. The FA got him afterwards.

[njref]

There is a big difference between throwing a roll of coins back into the stands and tackling a runner on the field. In the first case, it is dangerous to the ordinary fan (unless he is CC Sabathia, I don't see him hitting the guy that actually threw the coins in the first place) and really not defendable. In the second case (witness the 50 posts) we can argue whether a card is warranted.

[campbed]

My simple view:
Greece = trip an "outside agent", no VC or send off. (but I wouldn't argue the point if the referee or FA took opposite view...)

Drogba = throw and object at a "spectator" who threw it, or more likely hit innocent spectator sitting next to the the idiot = VC and a send off.

[chaoslord08]

Drogba was booked for the incident, which included giving the crowd a hand gesture (I can't find a match-fact list with it in it, but I've read in four different reports about the game that he was booked, and I thought I remembered seeing him get a yellow), but was then handed a three-match ban after a video review by the FA.

[boylanj64]

Chelsea's Drogba is currently serving a 3 match suspension for VC after throwing a coin (or maybe a roll of coins - the favorite weapon of choice in England) back at a lout in the stands.

I think the real question is, who plays soccer with a roll of coins tucked in their pants?

[Alberto]

Fellow posters just a friendly word from your co-moderators to keep the discussion civil and to avoid personal attacks.

Alberto and Tom thank you.

[Ref Flunkie]

I have no problem with sending off a player that engages a fan/coach/non-player in that way. Pretty much echo campbed on this.

[Nesto]

Drogba was booked for the incident, which included giving the crowd a hand gesture (I can't find a match-fact list with it in it, but I've read in four different reports about the game that he was booked, and I thought I remembered seeing him get a yellow), but was then handed a three-match ban after a video review by the FA.

I've also seen several articles claim Drogba was "booked" for the incident, but none of the match reports I've seen show anything.

[hradilv]

Chelsea: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Alex, Belletti (Lampard 25), Bridge, Ferreira, Deco (Mikel 46), Mineiro, Malouda, Drogba (Di Santo 68), Kalou.
Subs: Hilario, Sinclair, Terry, Woods.

Goals: Drogba 27

Burnley: Jensen, Alexander, Duff, Caldwell, Jordan, Eagles, Gudjonsson (MacDonald 97), McCann, Elliott, Blake (Mahon 76) , Paterson (Akinbiyi 60).
Subs: Penny, McDonald, Rodriguez, Kay

Booked: Akinbiyi, Eagles

Sent off: Caldwell

Goals: Akinbiyi 69

Att: 41,369.

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire)

Apparently Mr. Stroud did not see the incident.