Chelsea's problems mount as Mikel appeal fails

Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi's appeal against his sending-off against Manchester United has been rejected by the Football Association.

Mikel was shown a straight red card by referee Mike Dean after a challenge on United left-back Patrice Evra during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

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Chelsea immediately lodged an appeal against the decision but an FA commission today rejected their claim and Mikel will have to serve a three-match ban for serious foul play.

The FA said in a statement: "At a regulatory commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Chelsea's Mikel John Obi 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."

Chelsea's case was not helped by the fact FIFA do not permit the downgrading of cards from red to yellow.

To have succeeded in their appeal the club would have had to prove that there should not have been any form of sanction taken against the player, and that in effect there had been a clear error by the referee.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant said after the match: "It was the wrong decision and it changed the game."