Ivanovic will NOT serve a ban for straight red card in Community Shield

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic will not face any suspension despite his red card in Sunday's fiery Community Shield defeat to Man City.
The Serbian was sent off near the end of the first half after catching fellow countryman Aleksandar Kolarov with a high tackle that referee Kevin Friend deemed worthy of a straight red card.

Seeing red: Ivanovic is sent off by Kevin Friend

 

It was reported that Ivanovic would be banned for three matches, starting with Chelsea's opening Barclays Premier League fixture at Wigan next Sunday.

However, a change in FA ruling in August 2009 means that red cards in pre-season fixtures do not result in suspensions from competitive games.
As the rule change covered all non-competitive pre-season fixtures, including the Community Shield, it means Ivanovic will be free to play at the DW Stadium.

Flashpoint: Kolarov is floored by Ivanovic