Chelsea’s Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss Sunday’s clash with Manchester City after the Football Association rejected his appeal over the red card received against Swansea City.
Courtois was sent off in the 53rd minute of the game after seemingly denying Swansea City striker Batefembi Gomis a goalscoring opportunity in their 2-2 draw. Referee Michael Oliver deemed the clash worthy of a red card and the FA have rejected the appeal after the club failed to show any clear evidence that Oliver had made a mistake.
Pundits across the British footballing scene have been split on whether there was cover coming in from the sides but Coutois will now miss Sunday’s match as the Premier League champions take on last season’s runners-up with new signing Asmir Begovic expected to take over in goal.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho refused to be drawn over the incident in the after-match press conference and he will be without his star goalkeeper for the clash with a rampant Manchester City who demolished West Brom 3-0 away from home last night.