Ivanovic ban stands, will miss FA Cup semi-final

The Football Association has rejected an appeal from Chelsea regarding a violent conduct charge for defender Branislav Ivanovic.

The Serbian international was handed a retrospective ban following his side’s 2-1 victory at home to Wigan Athletic in the Premier League last Saturday.

The FA handed the 28-year-old the ban after video replays showed him punching Wigan midfielder Shaun Maloney in the stomach.

The Chelsea defender will serve a three-match suspension starting with immediate effect, meaning he will miss his side’s FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Ivanovic will also miss Chelsea’s trip to Arsenal and their home league game against QPR.

A statement on from the FA said: “Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic’s appeal against an FA charge for violent conduct has been dismissed.”

“The incident, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, occurred during his side’s game against Wigan at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 7 April 2012.”

“A Regulatory Commission heard the claim today and Ivanovic’s three-match suspension will commence with immediate effect.”