BREAKING NEWS: Chelsea´s Courtois appeal rejected

Premier League champions Chelsea have seen their appeal against the red card shown to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City rejected by the Football Association (FA).

Courtois was dismissed for bringing down Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis in the 52nd minute at Stamford Bridge, before the Frenchman converted the resulting penalty beyond substitute keeper Asmir Begovic.

With a trip to title rivals Manchester City to come on Sunday, Chelsea opted to appeal the decision in the hope of seeing Courtois’ automatic one-match suspension overturned.

However, the FA released a statement on Tuesday confirming that referee Michael Oliver’s decision had been upheld, meaning Courtois will miss the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

“A claim of wrongful dismissal submitted by Chelsea in relation to Thibaut Courtois has been unsuccessful following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing earlier today,” the statement read.

“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.”