Racist taunts could prompt Drogba to leave pitch

CHELSEA striker Didier Drogba says he will consider leaving the pitch if he is subjected to racist taunts.

Chelsea’s players are no stranger to racist abuse, with Shaun Wright-Phillips subjected to ‘monkey’ taunts during an England game in Madrid in 2004.

A resolution calling for referees to be given the power to abandon matches if players are consistently subjected to racial abuse recently received the backing of England defender Rio Ferdinand and more than 400 MEPs.

Now Drogba says he would think about walking off the pitch if he felt he was being singled out for such treatment.

“The great thing about football is that it is a game for everyone, no matter where you come from or what you look like,” Drogba said.

“Football brings people from around the world together but some people don’t realise this and they want to make chants about a player’s colour.

“I have had some problems with this in the past and it is wrong. We have to think about what we can do to let these people know we do not want this, it is not right.

“It is not just a problem in Spain or in football, but something everyone needs to put right.”

Drogba won consistent backing from manager Jose Mourinho during the period when he was criticised for using his hand to score and for feigning injuries by diving.

But his immense performance against West Ham last week was hailed as magnificent by team-mates and coaches alike.

For once Mourinho reverted to a 4-4-2 formation instead of the usual 4-3-3, and even with 10 men, the opted to keep faith with strike pair Drogba and Hernan Crespo.

Both players scored and Drogba had a hand in two other goals as Chelsea crushed West Ham 4-1.

“Maybe it would be easier for me if I played with a strike partner,” Drogba added. “It would take the pressure off but the important thing is to be in the team. The manager is happy with me and I am happy with him and that is what matters.”

Drogba’s midfield colleague Claude Makelele has been surprised at the success Mourinho has brought to the club in just two amazing years.

Chelsea stand on the brink of their first league and cup double and the Frenchman is staggered by the speed of the improvement.

The Blues face Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final and are seven points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premiership.