Thibaut Courtois will now miss Chelsea’s trip to Manchester City after failing to overturn his red card against Swansea
Chelsea have been dealt a major blow as they will be without first choice keeper Courtois for their clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
The Belgian was given his marching orders in the second-half of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Swansea, after denying Bafetimbi Gomis a goal-scoring opportunity.
Gomis was through on goal before Courtois’ challenge brought the striker down and the penalty was given.
The former Lyon front man managed to keep his cool and slotted past substitute keeper Asmir Begovic.
Jose Mourinho believed the decision should be overturned because Gary Cahill was in a position to stop a goal-scoring opportunity.
FA stand firm
The FA have stood by the referee’s decision and said: “The goalkeeper was dismissed for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity in the 52nd minute of Chelsea’s game against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (8 August 2015).
“Therefore, the player’s one-match suspension, which is the standard penalty for this offence, remains with immediate effect.
“For a club to be successful with a claim of wrongful dismissal, it must prove to an Independent Regulatory Commission via written and/or video evidence that the match referee made an obvious error.”
Summer signing Begovic will replace Courtois for the match but will need to improve his form in a Chelsea shirt.
The former Stoke number one has conceded seven goals in 215 minutes so far in his Blues career, which means he concedes a goal every 30 minutes.
Written by Tom Sutton – @T0MSUTT0N
