Mikel's three-match ban is upheld

Chelsea's Mikel Jon Obi has failed in his appeal against his red card in their 2-0 defeat at Manchester United and must serve a three-match ban.

The midfielder was shown a straight red card by referee Mike Dean for a first-half challenge on Patrice Evra.

As Fifa does not allow cards to be downgraded Chelsea could only have won the appeal if they had proved that no action at all should have been taken.

Blues boss Avram Grant said he was "disappointed and surprised"."One of the things I teach my players and even my children is that when you make a mistake you can admit it," he said.

"I can promise if I make a mistake I will tell you. It has happened to all of us - nobody is perfect.

"The referee made a mistake - he made three mistakes - but one of them he could correct and he didn't do it, so I am very disappointed.

"On Sunday, the referee affected the result with three bad decisions. Our players were very disappointed but I like their reaction. If I saw something wrong, it was the decisions of the referee."

The ban, which only affects domestic football, comes into force immediately, ruling him out of the Carling Cup trip to Hull and Premier League fixtures against Fulham and Bolton.

Mikel's suspension may not be the last repercussion for Chelsea following the Old Trafford fixture.

Chelsea skipper Terry appeared to grab referee Mike Dean's red card as he sent off Mikel.

Reports say Terry's actions have been mentioned in Dean's official report.