FA dismiss Branislav Ivanovic appeal

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic will serve out a three-match ban after his appeal was thrown out by the Football Association.

The 28-year-old contested the governing body's charge of violent conduct after video footage appeared to show the Serbian punch Shaun Maloney in the back during the Blues' 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The FA regulatory commission heard the case today but has decided not to overturn the charge, but instead hit the defender with a three-match ban.

Ivanovic will miss Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers.