Chelsea v Real Betis:   Michael Essien has escaped punishment for his challenge on Bolton's Tal Ben Haim on Saturday. Though he was merely cautioned for the offence, the referee Rob Styles is believed to have decided, after studying video evidence, that he should have sent off the Chelsea midfielder. Yesterday the FA ruled that no action would be taken and the club may have been saved, inadvertently, by the man who harangued them last week.

Sepp Blatter, the president of Fifa, appeared to have in mind Roman Abramovich, the club's owner, when he railed against the materialism of football, but it was the ruling body's own policy that spared Essien. Fifa had complained about the FA's decision, after the opening weekend of the season, to reduce the red card shown to Jermaine Jenas to a yellow after the midfielder, then with Newcastle, had been sent off at Highbury.

The FA sought clarification from Fifa before dealing with Essien and were advised that they should not upgrade a booking to a dismissal. Such tinkering is apparently not permissible any more.

On these occasions, the referee's original decision has to stand. Retrospective justice would apply only when offences have gone unnoticed at the time. This is a reversion to the FA's former practice.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho yesterday provided a glowing character reference for the aggressive midfielder, who cost £24 million from Lyon this summer.

"Essien is a great player and a fair player," said the manager. "He has an incredible record on disciplinary issues. He is a very clean player." With Essien shielded, Chelsea now have to guard their position in Group G of the Champions League against tonight's Spanish visitors.

"After the draw," said Mourinho, "we were in danger not because of Liverpool but because of Betis, In other groups the third and fourth teams are easier."

He argues that a side that finished fourth in La Liga last season is better than many of the champions from weaker countries.

After losing at home to Liverpool, Betis won at Anderlecht and another victory over the Belgians in Seville will give them a useful platform of six points. Mourinho does not count on Betis cowering.

"They have a lot of quality in attack and they use it," he said. "They know a team that comes to Stamford Bridge just to defend will find it difficult. They will try to play their own game."

Betis star Joaquin was a player Chelsea were associated with before they bought Shaun Wright Phillips. Arjen Robben, recovered from a hamstring strain, should, however, starts tonight.

Guardian Service