Gordon Taylor, the chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), says Didier Drogba should receive a three-match ban after throwing what appeared to be a coin back into the crowd during Chelsea's Carling Cup defeat by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last night.

The Metropolitan Police have begun an investigation into the incident, which happened in the first half of Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Burnley, a match they eventually lost 5-4 on penalties. Taylor says the precedent for Drogba's misdemeanour is already there, and that a similar punishment should be expected.

"It's there for all to see, he's done something that's against the rules required of players, and a similar situation resulted in a three-match ban for Jamie Carragher," he said. "So it would be very difficult to avoid an accusation that they (the FA) are inconsistent if they don't follow that line."

It is the second high-profile coin-throwing incident in a month after an assistant referee was struck during Aston Villa's match with Portsmouth at Villa Park. But while Taylor expressed sympathy for Drogba's situation, he accepted players must rise above such mindless behaviour from supporters.

"For Didier Drogba, he's been injured, he's come back, he's got a good goal but he got wrapped up in the situation, and it is a fact for footballers that they're not supposed to celebrate in front of opposition supporters," Taylor said.

"This is the second coin-throwing incident we've had now in the last few weeks, which is a matter of some concern, but the last thing that players need to do is respond in that way.

"In fairness to the lad, he knows he's done wrong, he apologised immediately after the game, but this happened in the heat of the moment and unfortunately there will be consequences now."

Burnley issued a statement this afternoon vowing to co-operate with all investigations.

"Burnley Football Club is proud of the 6,100 supporters who made the trip to Stamford Bridge and offered magnificent vocal backing.

"However, the club does not condone any misbehaviour from supporters and we will gladly co-operate with any inquiry into the incident, either from the FA or Chelsea Football Club. In closing, we do not believe this matter should detract from one of the club's most memorable nights in recent times."