The Football Association has given Chelsea midfielder Ramires a four-game ban after the Brazilian midfielder accepted a charge of violent conduct for striking Sebastien Larsson. The other reason he was banned for four games is due to his sending off at Villa Park last month that added an additional game to the three games. This means that the Premier League season is over for Ramires.
The former Benfica player hit Sebastien Larsson in the face during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. The incident wasn't caught by the referee but was later reviewed by a three-man panel of former elite referees who made their decision. An FA statement read:
"The incident occurred during Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, April 19.
"Ramires receives a four-match ban which will start with immediate effect.
"The ban includes three games for this offence plus an additional game for his sending-off at Villa Park last month."
It may not be the only punishment for Chelsea this season as manager Jose Mourinho and assistant manager Rui Faria have until Monday to respond to their respective charges of misconduct. Faria was charged for two misconducts including using abusive and/or insulting words toward the fourth official and for his behaviour when he was asked to leave the technical area. Portuguese boss Mourinho was charged for his post-game comments when he congratulated the referee of the fixture Mike Dean and head of Referees' association Mike Riley hinting the use of sarcasm.