BURNLEY’S ASHLEY BARNES will not be punished for his ugly tackle on Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic.
The foot up and studs showing challenge, labelled “criminal” by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, in the 70th minute of Saturday’s 1-1 draw resulted in Matic’s sending off for lashing out angrily.
While the Serbian midfielder was dismissed, Burnley forward Barnes went unpunished by referee Martin Atkinson and the Clarets took advantage of their numerical advantage to snatch a late equaliser.
Having initially gone to ground in pain, Matic ran towards Barnes and bundled him to the ground, earning the red card.
Chelsea are reportedly set to appeal against Matic’s three-game ban, but Mourinho had also suggested that action should be taken against Barnes, who was not even cautioned.
But the FA revealed on Monday that it would not be punishing the Clarets forward, and explained the rationale over five posts.
They read: “In the vast majority of challenges for the ball, no retrospective action is taken as the incident has been seen by the match officials.
“Retrospective action introduced as deterrent for ‘off the ball incidents’ (e.g. kicks, stamps etc.) committed out of sight of officials.
“Whole game in agreement that, in vast majority of cases, match officials are best-placed to deal with incidents to avoid re-refereeing.
“In line with this rationale, FA confirm no further action in relation to Ashley Barnes as incident was seen by the officials.”
The FA / Twitter
The FA / Twitter / Twitter
Ah poor Sir Bobby. If something wakes him, he is a nightmare to get down again
Is it just me or does anyone else dislike the idea of using a headbutt? Always seems a bit knackery to me
Roy is awful Keane on starting fights if you’ll pardon the pun
Please stop….
He has proved time and time again that he has serious temper issues and has over inflated opinions of himself, but when it comes to actually doing it himself, as a manager, he can’t do it. Brilliant footballer but essentially a gobdaw
Now that’s what I call a proper Football Bio anecdote. Granted there is a bit if the old ultra violence thrown in which may not be to everyone’s taste. But like with most things with Keane, it ain’t dull.
And You @Lesley have grounds to Make a comment like that????Bit of a stupid thing to say.