It feels like the FA are overreacting because if they don't they'll be accused of being against Rio Ferdnand after events earlier this year. The media just love a controversial story + Ferdinand is a media darling. I'm sure if this was Balotelli getting hit they'd love it and make a joke about it. Same with Barton.
When Dennis Wise played for Coventry he scored a last minute winner, celebrated in front of us and then tried to waste time in front of the nut jobs. He got pelted by hundreds of coins and bottles but no one cared because it was Dennis Wise.
Personally I would have been happy if the coin hit Van Persie.