Bunley manager Sean Dyche has opened up about Ashley Barnes’ tackle on Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic at Stamford Bridge.
During his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Burnley on Saturday, Matic was sent off after reacting to a challenge he received from Barnes.
The Serbian midfielder chased Barnes accross the pitch and knocked him to the ground, after Barnes’ follow through that caught Matic high up the leg with his studs.
However, Dyche has defended the Clarets’ player by saying that his leg was following through after he had made a pass. Much to the frustration of Jose Mourinho, who believed the striker should have received a red card.
When speaking to Sky, Dyche said: “No one reacts. Live time, no one reacts apart from Matic. My point is about live time – live speed. The referee has a chance. No one reacts.”
He also added: “I don’t know the biomechanics. I’m not an expert. But I’d say that once you’re in that pendulum motion of playing a pass, it’s very difficult to stop your leg going through the ball and rising.”
This past Monday, the FA confirmed that Ashley Barnes would face no disciplinary action, but expect Chelsea to appeal Matic’s dismissal.
By Kieran Makin (@kieranmaksports)
