Chelsea are heading to a collision course with The FA as they respond to their judgement over Nemanja Matic's red card in the strongest possible terms.
Matic's red card for retaliating on Ashley Barnes was reduced from three matches to two this evening and will still miss Sunday's Capital One Cup final at Wembley against Spurs and also Wednesday's away match at West Ham.
Chelsea had hoped the three-match ban would have been rescinded but that didnt happen.
Quite what Chelsea can do now, is problematic and they will have to see the rationale behind the decision and see if there is any inconsistency in the judgement.
There has been online fury levelled at the FA about their handling of the situation, with some people suggesting Chelsea should opt out of next season's FA Cup in protest.
This is the Blues's official response to the FA judgement.
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.
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.
The club awaits The FA’s written reasons, prior to commenting further.