Drogba is alleged to have thrown the missile, thought to be a coin, back at Burnley fans after celebrating his first goal of the season.

Referee Keith Stroud confirmed to the FA that he had not witnessed the missile-throwing incident but had booked Drogba for going towards the Burnley fans.

The FA are also working with both clubs to try an identify the individuals responsible for throwing the coins on to the pitch.

Chelsea lost the tie 5-4 on penalties and immediately after the game, Drogba issued an apology for his actions.

But the FA and the Metropolitan Police yesterday confirmed they were investigating the incident and the governing body has now taken action.

A statement from the FA read: "Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been charged with violent conduct.

"Drogba is alleged to have thrown a missile into the away section of the crowd after scoring during the League Cup match at Stamford Bridge.

"He has until 6pm on Monday 17 November to respond to the charge. A Regulatory Commission will hear the case on Tuesday 18 November.

"Referee Keith Stroud confirmed to The FA that he had booked Drogba for going towards the opposition supporters to celebrate but that he had not seen the missile incident.

"The FA has written to both Chelsea and Burnley to request information on missiles thrown at Chelsea players from the Burnley section. The FA is also liaising with Metropolitan Police regarding these incidents."

The standard sanction for cases of violent conduct is a three-match suspension - the punishment meted out to Jamie Carragher for a similar offence in 2002 - and it is understood the FA would deem that sufficient should Drogba be found guilty.

An FA spokesman added: "Players should be able to play football without fearing for their personal safety. It is totally unacceptable for players to be put in danger by supporters throwing missiles onto the pitch.

"The priority now is to work with the clubs and the police to identify the individuals involved. The FA wants anyone found guilty of throwing missiles to face the strongest possible action. That includes life bans from attending football matches."

Chelsea were providing no further comment immediately after learning of Drogba's charge but may issue a statement later today.

In 2002, Liverpool defender Carragher was given a three-match ban after being sent-off for a similar offence against Arsenal at Highbury.

Earlier Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had confirmed that Drogba would be involved against West Brom tomorrow.

Scolari is ready to accept whatever punishment the FA decide upon but would not be drawn into any further comment on the issue.

He said: "About Didier Drogba, I won't say anything. Finished. Okay?

"What would I say? Nothing. For the club, for the police - it's not my business. I'm not someone to say kill or not kill. I'm only the coach and I'll receive the information from the police, the club, the FA.

"He is in good condition. He can play this weekend. After three or four months, he's ready. He's starting to play.

"Drogba has played the last few games and might be able to play 65 or 70 minutes, but not a full game.

"Step by step, he needs to recover again. The medical staff have tried to give me all of my players but, after Saturday, many of the players go off with the national team."

Chelsea, meanwhile, would not reveal whether Drogba had been disciplined.

A club spokesman said: "I'm not going to confirm whether he's been fined or not."

Drogba's team-mate, England midfielder Frank Lampard, also warned that punishing the striker could lead to more problems with the fans.

"There are two sides to it," said Lampard. "He's come out straight away and said he's made a mistake.

"People also have got to stop throwing things on the pitch. I was around Didier at the time and I don't know how many coins there were around.

"We've seen referees getting hit, too, so I think people have to take responsibility as a group.

"Didier has to take responsibility as an individual. But if Didier gets banned, are fans going to do this more to provoke people? Who knows?

"I take quite a lot of corners and it's not unusual to get things thrown at you and lots of abuse, too, and I think it's got to a stage now where it's got to stop."

More pressing for Scolari is the lack of fit players for tomorrow's game. He will take a squad of just 18 to the midlands because of a growing injury list.

"Alex, Franco Di Santo and Juliano Belletti are all out," said Scolari.

"Joe Cole is also out. Ashley Cole maybe will travel, but won't play. I need 18 players. I don't have anyone else. Ricardo Carvalho is out, but Michael Ballack may sit on the bench.

"I have six out and only 24 players, so I need 18. I'll bring one or two players from the youth or reserve team."

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Chelsea issued a statement tonight welcoming Burnley's support in trying to identify the coin-throwing culprit.

The club also added Drogba's action in throwing the coin back into the crowd was 'inexcusable'.

Although Chelsea would not be drawn on the issue, the striker is likely to be fined by the club once the FA and police investigations have been completed.

"Chelsea will be co-operating fully with the Football Association and Metropolitan Police processes that are now under way regarding the regrettable incidents on Wednesday night," said the statement.

"We welcome Burnley's assistance in trying to help identify the small minority of their support who spoiled a great occasion for their club.

"Although Didier Drogba was hit by an object, that does not excuse his subsequent actions. He also recognises that, has not sought to justify it that way, has sincerely expressed his regret and has apologised for the incident.

"The matter will be dealt with internally by the club after the FA and police processes are completed."