Chelsea fans have been left livid this afternoon with the Football Association confirming that no action will be taken against Burnley’s Ashley Barnes, who was guilty of a horror challenge on Nemanja Matic this weekend.
The Blues player was sent off for his aggressive reaction to the incident but Chelsea have appealed that decision and hope justice would be done by the FA in the form of retrospective punishment. However, as the referee saw the decision no action will be taken.
The decision, although easy to disagree with, goes according to the FA’s rules on retrospective punishment, as they will not issue any action towards incidents spotted by the officials and mentioned in the post-match referee’s report.
It’s about time the governing body changed this rule though, to ensure that justice will be done in the future. For now, Chelsea fans will prepare to be further disappointed when Matic’s red card appeal is turned down…
No retrospective punishment for Ashley Barnes. Referee saw the incident- another rule that needs changing #CFCpic.twitter.com/Mq4sb4eZYX
— Josh Challies (@Challies11) February 23, 2015
So according to the @fa Ashley Barnes’ tackle was just okay and Martin did a good job.
— nicky (@nickycfc) February 23, 2015
No action on Ashley Barnes? @FA and the Referees Association have become a complete joke. So ridiculously inconsistent.
— Chris Kagann (@savethealbum) February 23, 2015
FA not taking any further action against burnley’s ashley Barnes!!! That is a joke, disgusting!!!!!! The agenda continues!!!!!
— Lewis Wright (@Wright98Lewis) February 23, 2015
Disgraceful that FA not taking any action against Ashley Barnes.
— Sid (@sidneykidney4) February 23, 2015
Pretty shocked Ashley Barnes isn’t getting banned, it was a bad challenge
— James Atkins (@Jatkins13) February 23, 2015
Burnley had the audacity to name Ashley Barnes as the MOTM. Sadistic club, s’why I hadn’t complimented them when they took points of City.
— Sam (@blueshoenabum) February 23, 2015
@FA The whole game is in agreement that Ashley Barnes should be banned for a lengthy spell. You’re a disgrace to a beautiful sport.
— James Debate (@James_Debate) February 23, 2015
It’s official. The @FA taking no action against Ashley Barnes means players can make potential leg breaking challenges. Shame on them.
— Calum Gray (@CalumG48) February 23, 2015
