Ivory Coast football star Didier Drogba demanded an end to the political violence in the strife-torn African state and for the international community to be sympathetic to the country's latest troubles.

Drogba, who is the Ivory Coast's national captain, yesterday expressed his fears over the deadly stand-off between Laurent Gbagbo and rival Alassane Outtara, following last month's presidential election. In a statement, where he speaks for the national team, Chelsea star Drogba appealed for democracy to triumph.