Branislav Ivanovic loses appeal

The Football Association have rejected Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic's appeal against his charge of violent conduct. Ivanovic was caught on video appearing to strike Latics midfielder Shaun Maloney in the midriff moments before Juan Mata's controversial winner in the Blues' 2-1 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge. Referee Mike Jones confirmed he and his assistants did not witness the incident, giving the FA the green light to investigate it retrospectively. Chelsea had appealed against the charge in the hope of having the defender available for this weekend's FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham. However, a regulatory commission have dismissed the appeal and the 28-year-old will now serve a three-game ban. It means the Serbian will miss the clash with Spurs at Wembley as well as the Premier League games against Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers.