Hamann recieves Essien apology

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 tonight and assured him there was no malicious intent behind the tackle which went unpunished by match official Herbert Fandel during the Champions League clash on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge.

A Chelsea spokesman said: “Michael has spoken to Dietmar by telephone this evening. He apologised to Dietmar, assured him the tackle was accidental and that there was no malicious intent.”

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 which will be heard by UEFA’s control and disciplinary body committee the following day.