News filtered through this afternoon that the UEFA disciplinary panel, which sat in Nyon today, have given Michael Essien a two match ban for THAT tackle on Dieter Hamman. A tackle that, apparently, shook the world to the core.
The ban means that ‘The Bison’ as he is affectionately known by the Stamford Bridge faithful, will miss both legs of the first round of the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Whilst the use of ‘video footage’ can be seen as somewhat harsh, it’s doubtful that, despite our fierce loyalty to all things blue, you’ll find anyone who will contest the decision.
Indeed, several media outlets suggested, this morning, that Chelsea were privately admitting that a two game ban was a fairly reasonable punishment.
Fears that UEFA were going to make an example out of Michael proved, in the end, to be unfounded. Perhaps UEFA, aware that Chelsea were reportedly prepared to contest any such outcome, decided to avoid further confrontation with Chelsea.
Memories of last year’s spats are still fresh in the mind and perhaps even UEFA acknowledge that it’s time for a little respite for both sides.
Essien will now be misisng from the Chelsea side for a substantial period in the New Year. With the African Nations Cup scheduled to rob Chelsea of this combative player in January, its likely to be a rare occurence to see Essien regularly wearing a blue shirt until the back end of February.
His absence will rob Chelsea of that combative edge that is needed in midfield. However, there are some that would suggest Michael occasionally goes over the top.
One tackle, made against Bolton Wanderers, was similar in nature to that which made Hamman wince. On that occasion Michael, courtesy of indifferent refereeing, escaped further punishment.
Whilst some may moan that Michael needs to modify his game, I’d prefer to liken him to a great servant of our club, Dennis Wise. Our ex-skipper had his faults but what a superb advert for Chelsea Football Club he became.
Here’s hoping that Michael Essien’s current troubles are soon confined to the history books and Michael can go on to emulate the great Dennis Wise.
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