I can't believe they Did that!

Didier Drogba has waded into the French civil war to back dumped pal Nicolas Anelka.

Anelka was sent home at the weekend after a bitter bust-up with coach Raymond Domenech.

That prompted the entire squad to go on STRIKE in a show of solidarity.

And fellow Chelsea star Drogba said: "He has been a team-mate for two and a half years. Yes, I support him.

"I wish him good luck, it's a difficult time for him.

"He is very strong mentally, he's a competitor. I was surprised he was kicked out of the team."

The row has rocked France, with president Nicolas Sarkozy ordering his sports minister Roselyne Bachelot to investigate.

Bachelot said: "We are taking note of the indignation of the French people and calling for dignity and responsibility.

"It's not yet the right time to take disciplinary action but that time will come very soon."

Economy minister Christine Lagarde, a former national swimmer, added: "I am appalled.

"I am appalled because I have worn the French national colours, and when you wear the French national colours you have added responsibilities."

"The first responsibility is to be the best possible in sport, but also to be exemplary because you are watched.

"There are young children, young adolescents who practise the sport and look to you as an example."

I can't believe they Did that!