Chelsea's Alonso handed three-match ban

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso will miss Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton after being handed a three-match suspension for violent conduct, the Football Association said Thursday. The 27-year-old was charged for his challenge on Southampton striker Shane Long during Chelsea's 3-2 Premier League win at St Mary's Stadium last weekend.

Marcos Alonso will miss Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, as well as two Premier League fixtures pic.twitter.com/EHiER5HLEh

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"Alonso denied the charge and further submitted that if found proven the suspension would be excessive, however, this was rejected following Wednesday's hearing," the FA said in a statement. Spaniard Alonso, who was named in the PFA's Team of the Year earlier this week, will miss Chelsea's league trip to Burnley later Thursday, the FA Cup semi-final, and a league match against Swansea City later this month.