Chelsea Football Club News

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

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

FA reject Mikel appeal

25 Sep 2007 - 15:12:28

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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."