Ramires Out Of Liverpool Game After Being Slapped With Four-Game Ban

Chelsea midfielder Ramires will miss the remainder of the Premier League season after accepting a charge of violent conduct following his elbow on Seb Larsson last weekend.

The Brazilian was caught elbowing the Sunderland midfielder in the face in an off-the-ball incident during the Black Cats shock 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.

While referee Mike Dean or any of his assistants failed to see the incident, the Football Association made full use of video technology and handed him a retrospective charge of violent conduct.

Ramires had until 6pm this evening to respond to the charge and the FA have now confirmed he has accepted it and will now be suspended for four Premier League games – 3 for the offence and an additional game due to his previous sending off against Aston Villa last month.

The suspension starts with immediate effect meaning he’ll miss Chelsea’s crucial trip to Anfield to face league leaders Liverpool on Sunday as well as further games at home to Norwich City and away to Cardiff City.

Obviously the loss of Ramires will come as a blow to Chelsea’s hopes of overhauling Liverpool to the Premier League title this season, but the Brazilian international will be able to feature in Europe meaning he’ll be free to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi final on Wednesday.