Essien set to face UEFA ban

UEFA disciplinary chiefs are expected to impose a one-match or two-match ban on Michael Essien today for his dangerous lunge at Liverpool’s Dietmar Hamann.

The Chelsea midfielder has been charged with gross unsporting conduct and his case is being heard by UEFA’s control and disciplinary panel.

Essien, aged 23, caught the German midfielder just below the knee during the Champions League game last week, but referee Herbert Fandel missed the incident.