Ghana Black Stars and Chelsea FC midfielder Michael Essien has been handed a two-match ban by UEFA following his gruesome tackle on Liverpool’s Dietmar Hamann in the European Champions League. The action comes following a charge of gross unsporting conduct from UEFA.

Essien, who is expected to be one of the star players for the Black Stars at next summer’s World Cup finals, didn’t even receive a yellow card from German referee Herbert Fandel following the incident.

However, after FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s confirmation that video evidence could be used to bring retrospective charges, UEFA took action, and have issued the midfielder with a two match ban.

Hamann, who described the tackle as "The worst I have suffered in my career," will be hoping to figure for host-nation Germany at next year’s finals. Although coach Jurgen Klinsmann has adopted a distinct youth policy since taking charge, Hamann is practically assured of a place in the squad. His experience, and toughness, could prove invaluable if Germany are to progress to the latter stages of the World Cup finals.

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