Chelsea have been charged with failure to control their players following Michael Essien's dismissal at Derby on Saturday.

Referee Andre Marriner was confronted by Chelsea players, including England skipper John Terry, in the wake of Essien's stoppage time sending-off.

The 24-year-old this afternoon saw his appeal against his straight red card for a push on Kenny Miller rejected and will now serve a three-match ban, but his club could face further punishment.

An FA statement read: "Chelsea FC have been charged for the behaviour of Chelsea players towards referee Andre Marriner during the match at Derby County on Saturday, 24 November.

"The club were charged with failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following the sending-off of Michael Essien for violent conduct, and have until 12 December to respond.

"At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, Essien had a claim for wrongful dismissal rejected. He will therefore serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect."

Chelsea are in Champions League action against Rosenborg in Norway tomorrow evening, but Essien will return knowing he will miss the league games against West Ham and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, and perhaps more significantly, the trip to Arsenal on December 16th.