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The FA have confirmed that Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will not face any further disciplinary action for his challenge on Bolton's Tal Ben Haim.
The Ghana star received only a yellow card for an ugly lunge on Bolton's Israeli defender during The Blues' 5-1 win at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
However, referee Rob Styles agreed to review the incident after widespread criticism of the challenge.
The official is understood to have informed The FA that he would have dismissed Essien if he had seen the challenge from a different angle at which point they approached Fifa to ascertain whether the caution could be upgraded to a red card.
However, world football's governing body expressed concern at the trend of changing decisions retrospectively and have subsequently asked for referees' decisions not to be changed.
It will be a big relief to Chelsea who would have lost Essien for three games if his punishment had been increased.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho has moved to defend the ?24.4 summer signing from Lyon and rubbished suggestions made by Bolton boss Sam Allardyce that he attempted to feign injury to escape being sent off by Styles.
"Essien is a great player," said Mourinho. "He's a fair player and a player with an incredible record on disciplinary issues. He is a very clean player."
When asked whether the player tried to trick Styles, Mourinho responded: "Of course not. You can say that for sure." |
Source: Sky Sports |
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