CHELSEA SAY THEY are “appalled” by the Football Association’s decision not to reduce Nemanja Matic’s three-game ban to the maximum extent permitted, after the midfielder was sent off against Burnley on Saturday.
The Serbia international shoved Ashley Barnes to the ground during the 1-1 draw, but was on the receiving end of a horrific tackle from the Burnley striker beforehand – a challenge labelled “criminal” by Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea subsequently appealed the decision in a bid to have the red card rescinded, but the FA have only decided to reduce the ban to two games – thus ruling him out of the League Cup final against Tottenham and the Premier League clash with West Ham.
“In reaching this decision the members of the Regulatory Commission rejected the mitigation advanced by Nemanja Matic in respect of the provocation and tackle he received which led to his act of violent conduct,” said Roger Burden, chairman of the FA’s regulatory commission, in a statement.
“The violent response of Mr. Matic to the nature of the tackle cannot be condoned and does not vindicate his subsequent actions. The members of the Commission did, however, accept the mitigation in respect of the level of force used by Mr. Matic and the nature of the contact he made with Mr. Barnes of Burnley FC.
“Having made those considerations we determined that the standard punishment of a three-match suspension would be clearly excessive and, therefore, ordered that the suspension be reduced to two matches.”
However, Chelsea have expressed their frustration at the decision, and claim that Matic has been “unjustly punished” for his reaction to a “career-threatening tackle”, and also maintain that the affair is evidence that referees need to do more to protect players from such challenges.
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,” read a statement.
“Chelsea FC challenged the standard three-match suspension which automatically followed the red card issued to Matic by referee Martin Atkinson during Saturday’s Premier League match against Burnley.
“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.”
Chelsea fans are an embarrassment saying there is a campaign against them. seriously it’s amazing how mourinho has brainwashed them.
The ‘campaign’ stuff is nonsense alright. Wouldn’t be taking that seriously though
The FA’s rules here are mind-bogglingly stupid. Not surprised that this has happened, the rules are a joke. This kind of rubbish has really put me off watching football in recent seasons.
What the hell was Matic supposed to do in the aftermath of the challenge? Barnes almost snapped his leg in two!
It shouldn’t have been a red, he shouldn’t be banned at all and Barnes should be getting a lengthy ban.
(And to clarify, I’m a Liverpool fan)
“What the Hell was Matic meant to do”???
Obviously not react the way he did which got him a three match ban reduced down to two…..
(Barnes ‘tackle’ is irrelevant in all this)
Regardless of the cause he shouldn’t have reacted with violence. I dont think the ban should have been reduced at all
Costa was banned for the stamp on Skrtel because it is as violent conduct and skrtel didn’t push him to the ground after. If matic had had a normal reaction like skrtel then maybe Barnes would have been punished later
Was banned for stamp on Can, who did react.
my mistake but he didn’t react by running up to Costa and shoving him to the ground
FA called it a “violent response”. As Ger Loughnane said, you’d get worse coming out of Mass on a Sunday!
This is it Thomas, the lack of proportionality in the punishments handed out are a massive part of the problem.
Even if Barnes had been sent off as well, they’d have both got in or around the same length of ban, give or take a game or two. It makes no sense.
I suggest you all take a look at Sean Dyche 10 min interview in relation to the game , he makes some very interesting points with video analysis.
Surprised he got his ban reduced.
Aww, me heart bleeds