Chelsea defender banned for three matches

 

The Football Association have confirmed Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso will serve a three-game ban for with immediate effect.

 

Alonso was charged with violent conduct in the aftermarth of Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Southampton last weekend for an altercation with Saints striker Shane Long.

 

Referee Mike Dean did not include the incident in his match report and now the FA have confirmed Alonso failed in his attempts to overturn the punishment.

 

“Macros Alonso will miss Chelsea’s next three matches after an Independent Regulatory Commission ruled he had committed an act of violent conduct against Southampton’s Shane Long,” a statement read on the FA’s official website.

 

“Alonso denied the charge and further submitted that if found proven the suspension would be excessive, however, this was rejected following Wednesday’s hearing.

 

“The incident, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, occurred in the 43rd minute of Saturday’s game.”

 

 

The 27-year-old will miss Thursday’s league game away to Burnley, as well as Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton and a trip to Swansea at the end of April.

 

Alonso’s absence should benefit January signing Emerson with the chance to force his way into Antonio Conte’s first-team plans.

 

The Brazilian left-back signed from Roma at the start of the year but has been limited to 15 minutes of Premier League action following a long spell out injured.

 

No defender has a direct hand in more Premier League goals than Alonso this season (8).

 

With that in mind, Emerson should be considered for your Football INDEX portfolios for the remainder of the season. The 23-year-old’s share price is only £0.87 at the time of writing.