Courtois to miss Manchester City game after FA rejects red card appeal

Thibaut Courtois will miss this weekend’s trip to Manchester City after the FA rejected Chelsea’s appeal for wrongful dismissal.

The feel-good factor around Stamford Bridge quickly dissipated on Saturday as the Blues began their Premier League title defence with a 2-2 draw at home to Swansea.

Jose Mourinho’s side were somewhat fortunate to escape the match with a point, having spent much of the second half reduced to 10 men following Courtois’ red card.

The Belgium goalkeeper was sent off after taking down Bafetimbi Gomis, with referee Michael Oliver awarding a spot-kick which the Frenchman slotted home.

Mourinho attempted to keep his counsel after the match yet could not help let slip that he felt officials had “punished” his side, with the Blues appealing the decision on Monday evening.

The FA heard the case yesterday afternoon but rejected the appeal, meaning Courtois’ one-match ban stands.

“A claim of wrongful dismissal submitted by Chelsea in relation to Thibaut Courtois has been unsuccessful following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing,” an FA statement read.

“The goalkeeper was dismissed for denying a goal scoring opportunity in the 52nd minute of Chelsea’s game against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

“Therefore, the player’s one-match suspension, which is the standard penalty for this offence, remains with immediate effect.

“For a club to be successful with a claim of wrongful dismissal, it must prove to an Independent Regulatory Commission via written and/or video evidence that the match referee made an obvious error.”

Courtois’ absence means Asmir Begovic is in line for his full Chelsea debut at the Etihad Stadium. A summer signing from Stoke as a replacement for Petr Cech, the Bosnia international came off the bench against Swansea following Courtois’ sending-off.

Meanwhile, Eva Carneiro’s role as Chelsea first-team doctor is understood to be changing significantly, raising questions about her Stamford Bridge future.

In the closing stages of the Swansea game, Mourinho became animated as Eden Hazard had to leave the field.

That move left Chelsea with nine men temporarily and saw Mourinho publicly call his medical staff “impulsive and naive”, saying they all need to “understand the game”.

It is understood Carneiro will remain as the club’s first-team doctor, but her role will change significantly and revolve around the Cobham training base. Most significantly, it is believed she will not now be involved in Chelsea matches and training sessions, raising questions over her long-term future.