The Football Association have rejected Chelsea appeal against Michael Essien's red card and have also charged the West London club for failing to control their players during Saturday's win at Derby County.
The Blues had aimed to reverse the three-match ban for the Ghana international, who had been penalised by referee Andre Marriner for ‘violent conduct’ with a straight red card for an arm in the face of Rams’ Kenny Miller in the second half injury time.
Chelsea players including skipper John Terry had then remonstrated the decision suggesting that there was no nasty intent from the midfielder.
The FA said in a statement: "Chelsea FC have been charged for the behaviour of Chelsea players towards referee Andre Marriner during the match at Derby County on Saturday, 24 November.
"The club were charged with failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following the sending-off of Michael Essien for violent conduct, and have until 12 December to respond.
"At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, Essien had a claim for wrongful dismissal rejected. He will therefore serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect."
Essien is set to miss the games against West Ham, Sunderland and Arsenal
