Blues lose Cole appeal

Defender to miss Chelsea's clash with Newcastle

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 28th December 2007

Cole Ashley

Cole: Suspended

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The Football Association has rejected Chelsea's appeal against the red card received by Ashley Cole in the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

Cole became the third player to be dismissed in a pulsating Boxing Day encounter as referee Phil Dowd adjudged that he had handled Gabriel Agbonlahor's header on the line.

The result was a penalty for Aston Villa in stoppage time and Gareth Barry scored to deny Chelsea victory.

Chelsea contested the decision and manager Avram Grant had been hopeful that Cole would be cleared by the FA.

However, the appeal has now been rejected and Cole must now serve a one-match ban which will see him miss Saturday's home game against Newcastle.

The news will come as a major blow to Grant, who has lost a number of players to injuries and suspensions in recent weeks.

Dowd's decision to send off Villa's Zat Knight in the same game was also upheld by the FA earlier on Friday.

Chelsea opted not to lodge an appeal against Ricardo Carvalho's red card.