Matic banned for two matches

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has seen a three-match ban for his angry reaction towards Ashley Barnes reduced by one game.

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has been banned for two matches following his reaction to the challenge of Burnley's Ashley Barnes, a decision the Premier League club claim to be "appalled" by.

Matic was caught on the shin by the Burnley striker in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, with the Portuguese immediately shoving Barnes to the ground - receiving a red card in the process.

The Serb was initially handed an automatic three-match ban, which has been reduced after the FA partially accepted Chelsea's claims that Matic was provoked by Barnes' challenge.

However, Chelsea - as part of a lengthy campaign to draw attention to the incident - have hit out at the decision.

"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 on the club's website.

"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.

Matic will miss Sunday's League Cup final with Tottenham and the Premier League clash with West Ham.

In explaining the FA's decision, Roger Burden, chairman of the Regulatory Commission, said: "The violent response of Mr. Matic to the nature of the tackle cannot be condoned and does not vindicate his subsequent actions."