LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI has moved to deflect criticism from Didier Drogba for hurling a coin back at Burnley fans during Wednesday's League Cup tie at Stamford Bridge by calling for swift action to be taken against the supporter who threw the original missile. The Chelsea striker was charged yesterday with violent conduct by the English FA.

Drogba will be available for Scolari at The Hawthorns today as Chelsea, their squad ravaged by injury, attempt to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League with victory over West Bromwich Albion. The London club have indicated privately that they will not appeal the FA's charge and a three-match ban is expected to be confirmed by a Regulatory Commission on Tuesday.

A similar suspension was handed out to Liverpool's Jamie Carragher for an identical offence in 2002 and Chelsea will consider imposing their own internal discipline "after the FA and (Metropolitan) Police processes are completed". The striker apologised for the incident after the match, which Burnley won on penalties, yet Scolari said yesterday that Drogba, who stood in front of the away fans to celebrate his goal, had not sparked the incident.

"Didier went on to the pitch to play football," said the Brazilian. "He didn't go out there with coins in his pockets. It wasn't Didier who started it.

"He was happy to have scored a goal and he wasn't starting anything. He hadn't gone out there to fight but to play. The police, the FA, have to think about this. Didier apologised after the game but now I want the police to find out who was the man who threw that (coin). After this we'll look at what happens. I'm not a judge."

The FA has written to both clubs to request information on the missiles that were thrown at Chelsea players from the away section of the ground, with both clubs cooperating fully in those inquiries. A statement from Chelsea said they welcomed "Burnley's assistance in trying to help identify the small minority of their support who spoiled a great occasion for their club".