Essien apologises to Hamann for tackle

CHELSEA midfielder Michael Essien has apologised to Liverpool’s Dietmar Hamann for the tackle which has landed him with a UEFA charge.

The Ghana international spoke to Hamann last night and told him there was no malicious intent in the tackle which went unpunished by referee Herbert Fandel during Tuesday night’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Essien, 23, was criticised by the German international for not apologising immediately after the challenge, which Hamann later claimed had been the worst tackle he had ever suffered.

Although referee Fandel and his assistants confirmed they had missed the incident, UEFA charged Essien with ‘gross unsporting conduct’ after reviewing the challenge on video.

Essien’s apology will not jeopardise any defence Chelsea wish submit to UEFA over the matter.

They have until December 14 to respond to the charge.