FA to investigate camera thrown at Lampard

The Football Association will investigate the throwing of a camera onto the pitch during Sunday's Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

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Andre Marriner holds the digital camera at Emirates Stadium

Play stopped briefly midway through the first half, to enable referee Andre Marriner to remove the item, which came from a section of the ground populated by home supporters and appeared to be aimed at Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

The incident was mentioned by the referee in his match report and the FA will now contact Arsenal for further information.

Arsenal will co-operate fully with the Football Association, who could study any available CCTV footage or images from the live broadcast, as well as ask for eye-witness accounts from Emirates Stadium staff.

If any individual responsible can be identified, they could face a ban from Arsenal matches. However, because the object did not strike any player or official, the likelihood of severe sanctions against the club are minimal.

Last season, a man was arrested and charged by South Wales Police following a coin-throwing incident, which resulted in referee Mike Dean being hit on the head, during the Coca-Cola Championship match between Cardiff and Swansea.

Chelsea forward Didier Drogba, who netted twice in the 3-0 win at Emirates Stadium, received a police caution for throwing a coin into a section of Burnley fans after scoring a goal during a Carling Cup fourth-round match at Stamford Bridge in November 2008.

Drogba was also banned for three matches by the FA.