Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
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Blues launch Lampard appeal

03 Mar 2008 - 14:06:39

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Chelsea have launched an appeal to have Frank Lampard's red card from Saturday's 4-0 victory over West Ham United overturned.

The England midfielder was dismissed by referee Peter Walton for shoving Luis Boa Morte during the first half at Upton Park.

Lampard, who has only previously been sent off once in his career, had earlier scored from the penalty spot against his former club and the Blues were 3-0 up at the time.

However, despite hinting an appeal was unlikely immediately after the match, Chelsea first-team coach Avram Grant has now asked the Football Association to consider rescinding the dismissal.

Speaking after the match, the Israeli had said: "The assistant referee said that Frank slapped the face of Boa Morte.

"If it is true, I think the rule is that it is a red card. If not, maybe someone else needs to get a red card.

"I will wait to see it, but if the assistant referee is right, it is a red card. I have not asked Frank about it."

Lampard's red card means he would miss the next three domestic matches - against Barnsley in the FA Cup sixth round and Sunderland and Tottenham in the league.

But should the appeal be deemed frivolous and the ban extended to four matches, then he would miss the crunch Premier League meeting with Arsenal on March 22.