Friday Dec 28 2007 16:11
The Football Association have rejected
Chelsea's appeal against Ashley Cole's red card in the closing stages of the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
The former Arsenal defender will serve a one-match suspension with immediate effect, meaning he misses Saturday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
Cole was shown a red card for the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity.
His actions led to Villa's Gareth Barry scoring a last-gasp equaliser from the penalty spot.
Earlier in the day, the FA also rejected Villa's appeal against Zat Knight's dismissal in the same match.
Blues boss Avram Grant was unhappy with Cole's red card at the time, saying after the eight-goal thriller: "I don't like to speak about the decision of the referee.
"It was not a penalty (for Villa) but this is his decision even if it's wrong."
Villa boss Martin O'Neill was also quick to criticise referee Phil Dowd's role in the incident, saying: "The referee didn't see it and the linesman spotted it.
"I'm grateful for him spotting a straightforward decision and I'm so grateful linesmen have spotted things they should spot."
Have your say on this article