Redknapp slams coin-throwing fans

Redknapp narrowly avoided being struck by a coin at Villa Park

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has branded coin-throwing fans as "cowards" and called for the culprits to be given life bans from football grounds.

Redknapp was targeted himself by Aston Villa supporters last month while he was manager at Portsmouth.

He was speaking after Chelsea's Didier Drogba was charged with violent conduct for hurling a coin back into the crowd.

"It's difficult [for players] - some of the abuse is over the top, there is no doubt about it," said Redknapp.

"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.

"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."

Assistant ref Phil Sharp was struck by a coin at Villa Park

Redknapp added: "Something needs to be done around the dug-outs now, it's got silly at certain grounds."

The coin thrown at him at Villa Park actually struck assistant referee Phil Sharp, leaving him with a cut to his head.

"I don't know what turns people on to do something like that," Redknapp said. "If they hit the linesman or me in the eye, we would have lost an eye.

"It was scandalous. What had I done to deserve that? Nothing. What did I do to deserve the abuse I got that day? Nothing."

Drogba's team-mate Frank Lampard has called for him to avoid a ban, insisting it would send the wrong message to fans.

"If Didier gets banned, are fans going to do this more to provoke people? Who knows," said the England midfielder.