Essien suspended for two matches
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Article summary
Chelsea FC will be without Michael Essien for both legs of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie after the midfielder was handed a two-match ban.
Article body
Gross unsporting conduct
The European governing body's Control and Disciplinary Body met today to discuss the charge of gross unsporting conduct made against Essien following his tackle on Liverpool FC's Dietmar Hamann during the UEFA Champions League Group G encounter on 6 December.
First knockout round
It was decided to suspend the 23-year-old Ghanaian international for two UEFA club competition games, ruling him out of the first knockout round matches on 21/22 February and 7/8 March. In making its decision, the Control and Disciplinary Body took into account the player's plea for mitigation and his previous unblemished disciplinary record. Chelsea will discover their opponents for that tie when the draw is made in Nyon, Switzerland tomorrow.
