Coin throwers should get life ban: Redknapp

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said fans who throw coins at footballers and officials should be banned for life from grounds in the wake of Didier Drogba's violent conduct charge this week.

Redknapp was targeted himself by Aston Villa supporters last month while he was manager at Portsmouth, with a coin missing him and hitting assistant referee Phil Sharp.

Drogba has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association – and is also the subject of a police investigation – after appearing to throw a coin back at the Burnley section of the crowd at Stamford Bridge.

Since the incident the focus has been on the Chelsea striker rather than the behaviour of people in the stands.

“Something needs to be done around the dug-outs now, it's got silly at certain grounds,” Redknapp said. “It's difficult with players too because some of the abuse is over the top, there is no doubt about it.

“There are cameras all around the place so surely we can pick these people out. Someone has to pick up the phone, even if they are scared. Make a phone call and report the person.

“They should be banned for life from football grounds because there is no place for them in football.”

Redknapp has not been made aware of the culprit being found at Villa Park, and the incident still angers him.

“It was scandalous,” he said. “What had I done to deserve that? Nothing. What did I do to deserve the abuse I got that day? Nothing. I don't know what turns people on to do something like that. If they hit the linesman or me in the eye, we would have lost an eye.

“That can't be right. They have enough cameras there, surely someone must have seen them throw it.

“People who throw coins are cowards. Do you think he would have gone up to Didier Drogba off the pitch and said something to him? I doubt it very much.”