Chelsea's Dutch winger Arjen Robben was banned for four matches today after his appeal against a red card in the champions' 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion was rejected.

Robben, whose punishment will take immediate effect, was sent off for serious foul play on Saturday after his two-footed lunge at West Brom midfielder Jonathan Greening.

Though the offence usually carries a three-match ban, the Football Association suspended Robben for four games because it was his second dismissal of the season.

He was red-carded against Sunderland in January. Robben will miss Chelsea's next three Premier League games - against Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Manchester City - plus their FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United.

Meanwhile West Brom midfielder Nigel Quashie given a further one-game ban and £5,000 fine after admitting a charge of misconduct following his red card against Middlesbrough.