Zat Knight

The Football Association has rejected Aston Villa defender Zat Knight's claim for wrongful dismissal against Chelsea.

Knight was given his marching orders during Villa's Boxing Day draw with Chelsea at a stage in the match when Martin O'Neill's side led 2-0

Referee Phil Dowd adjudged Knight to have felled Michael Ballack in the 18-yard area to allow Chelsea back into the game, which eventually finished 4-4, as Andrei Shevchenko converted from the spot.

O'Neill was left incensed by the decision and opted to appeal to the FA in a bid to have Knight's impending suspension overturned.

However, the FA has rejected Villa's appeal and Knight will now serve a one-match ban which will see him miss Saturday's trip to Wigan.

O'Neill told Villa's official website: "We are obviously disappointed because we felt we had a case.

"But we abide by the decision and prepare for Saturday's important game at Wigan without him."