Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has jumped to the defence of Ghana midfielder Michael Essien after he was sent off on Wednesday night for a two-footed challenge. The Ghanaian returned from a small injury lay-off to head the winner for Chelsea as they beat Fulham 1-0 and establish a four-point lead at the top of the Premiership table. But he was also sent off deep into injury time for a two footed challenge on the American Clint Dempsey. The dismissal took the shine off a fine display by Essien and will now mean he will be suspended for Chelsea’s next two games. Ancelotti reckons he will be a big loss but will take another look at the challenge before deciding whether to appeal against the verdict. ''I don't like to judge the decision,'' said Ancelotti. ''But I can say that maybe it was not a red card because Essien made a strong tackle, but on the ball. ''There was not a risk on the opponent. I think he went for the ball, the last ball of the game, an important ball. ''I don't think he did a silly foul. He tried to do a tackle, he won the tackle. And I'm not sure it was a sending-off. ''I'd like to see it again but directly, on the pitch, I didn't think it was a dangerous tackle. I hope we won't lose him for three games. "That would be a problem if we lose him for three games. We have to wait, I think. I want to watch the replay before doing anything.'' Source; Kickoff.com