Chelsea's Alonso given three-match ban after Long challenge

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso has been handed a three-match ban following his challenge on Southampton's Shane Long last weekend, the Football Association has announced.

The left wing-back appeared to stand on the back of Long's leg during their Premier League game on Saturday and the incident went unpunished by referee Mike Dean.

The FA confirmed Alonso had denied the violent conduct charge and "further submitted that if found proven the suspension would be excessive". He was found guilty at his Independent Regulatory Commission hearing on Wednesday.

Alonso is now ruled out of Thursday night's Premier League game at Burnley, Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against the Saints and also the league trip to Swansea on April 28.