Blues hit with FA charge

Essien loses appeal against red card

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 27th November 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Blues hit with FA charge

Chelsea: FA charge

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Chelsea have been charged with failing to control their players in the 2-0 victory over Derby on Saturday, while Michael Essien's appeal against the red card he received has been rejected.

The Ghanaian midfielder was dismissed after lashing out at Kenny Miller in stoppage time, but had been hoping the decision would be overturned.

However, the FA has agreed with referee Andre Marriner's ruling and Essien must now serve a three-game ban with immediate effect.

The club has also been disciplined after a number of players, including England captain John Terry, confronted Marriner in the wake of Essien's sending off.

A Football Association statement read: "Chelsea FC have been charged for the behaviour of Chelsea players towards referee Andre Marriner during the match at Derby County on Saturday, 24 November.

"The club were charged with failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following the sending-off of Michael Essien for violent conduct, and have until 12 December to respond.

"At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, Essien had a claim for wrongful dismissal rejected.

"He will therefore serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect."