Chelsea have stated that they are ‘appalled’ at the FA’s decision to reduce Nemanja Matic’s suspension from three games to two.
Serbian Matic was sent off at the weekend against Burnley for reacting to a horror studs-up tackle by Ashley Barnes.
Barnes escaped punishment for the x-rated challenge, much to the Stamford Bridge club’s annoyance.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho even questioned whether Barnes ‘was even a football player’.
The FA announced that the original ban was ‘clearly excessive’, but have only reduced the suspension by one game, meaning Matic will still miss Sunday’s Capital One Cup Final against Tottenham and the visit of West Ham next Wednesday.
‘The Chelsea Football Club Board is extremely disappointed and frustrated that the FA Regulatory Commission has today decided not to reduce Nemanja Matic’s suspension to the maximum extent permitted under FA rules,’ a statement on the club website said.
‘There has been universal condemnation of the reckless challenge made by Ashley Barnes on Matic and it is the club’s view that he has been unjustly punished with a two-match ban for his reaction to a career-threatening tackle.
‘It is Chelsea’s opinion that referees and the football authorities must do more to protect players at all levels of the game from dangerous challenges. This decision also clearly demonstrates a need for consistency and fairness in the disciplinary process.
‘The club awaits The FA’s written reasons, prior to commenting further.’
Steve Osborne @Pack3rNa7ion
