FA reject Mikel appeal
25 Sep 2007 - 15:12:28
Chelsea's appeal to the Football Association over John Obi Mikel's sending-off in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United has been rejected and the midfielder will serve a three-match ban.
Mikel was ordered off during the first half of the Old Trafford reverse for a late challenge on Patrice Evra, with referee Mike Dean issuing a straight red card for a perceived two-footed tackle.
An FA statement confirmed: "At a regulatory commission hearing, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Chelsea's John Obi Mikel was rejected.
"Mikel was shown a red card for serious foul play during the match at Old Trafford on 23 September.
"As a result, Mikel will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect."
New Blues boss Avram Grant had fumed after the setback against United: "We were playing well until Mikel was sent off and the game changed then.
"It seemed the wrong decision."