UEFA bans Essien for two matches

Michael Essien has been given a two-match ban by UEFA for his tackle on Liverpool’s Dietmar Hamann during the Champions League match at the Bridge nine days ago.

The ban will rule the 23-year-old Ghanaian midfielder out of both legs of Chelsea’s Champions League last-16 tie, to be played on February 21/22 and March 7/8, 2006.

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