Essien banned for two Champions League games

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien was banned for two Champions League matches by UEFA on Thursday for a studs-up tackle on Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann.

The ban will rule the 23-year-old Ghana midfielder out of both legs of Chelsea's Champions League last-16 tie, to be played on February 21/22 and March 7/8.

Essien was charged with "gross unsporting conduct" for the challenge on the Germany midfielder during a Champions League match at Stamford Bridge on December 6, it was announced on UEFA's website.

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Essien, who subsequently apologised to Hamann, escaped punishment on the night for the tackle, which Hamann described as the worst he had ever suffered.

UEFA announced the ban after a meeting of its control and disciplinary body on Thursday, when Essien's plea for mitigation and his previous unblemished disciplinary record were taken into account.

English Premier League leaders Chelsea will discover their opponents in the knockout round when the draw is made in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

Source: REUTERS
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