FA reject Henchoz appeal

The Football Association have rejected Blackburn defender Stephane Henchoz’s claim for wrongful dismissal in Saturday’s defeat by Newcastle.

Blackburn appealed Dermot Gallagher’s decision to send the Swiss defender off yesterday but at an FA disciplinary commission hearing today, the claim was rejected and Henchoz will serve a one-match ban.

Henchoz was ordered off in the 40th minute by referee Gallagher for a professional foul.

Gallagher decided Henchoz had denied Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins a goalscoring chance when the pair competed for the ball.

The 32-year-old managed to head clear, only to bring down the Newcastle striker in the process.

Newcastle, who were leading 2-0 at that stage, won the match 3-1 at Ewood Park.