Nemanja Matic Suspension Reduced to 2 Matches: Latest Details and Reaction

Nemanja Matic's suspension for his red card against Burnley has been reduced to two matches after an appeal was upheld, the FA announced on Tuesday.

Chairman of the Regulatory Commission Roger Burden issued a statement on the decision, via The FA's official site:

"

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.

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.

"

Rob Harris of The Associated Press provided clarification on the news, highlighting Chelsea's disappointment:

Chelsea announced they were "appalled with the FA's decision on Matic" and issued a statement after the decision was made, which reads in part, per the club's official site:

"

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.

"

The Serbian destroyer pushed Ashley Barnes to the floor after a horror tackle from the Burnley striker. As noted by Martyn Ziegler of the Press Association, it appeared to be a futile exercise for the Blues to contest Matic's dismissal:

Barnes was certainly lucky not to receive his marching orders. He could have ended Matic's season with a studs-up lunge on his shin, and indeed, severely harmed Chelsea's chances of success. Although Matic has a right to be upset with his opposition's attempt to get the ball, his reaction is a red card offence by the laws of the game.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

The FA confirmed Barnes will face no disciplinary action for his role in the incident:

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wasn't impressed by the situation, per B/R UK:

Presenter Richard Keys believes Matic had to be banned for his reaction:

Interestingly, Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC suggests Barnes' tackle wasn't as malicious as it initially seemed:

Matic is a monster in the centre of midfield, racking up 3.8 tackles and 2.2 interceptions per match, both team highs this season according to WhoScored.com. His 87.1 percent pass accuracy, combined with dominance in the air, add an assurance to Chelsea's centre.  

While players such as Diego Costa and Eden Hazard grab the headlines, Matic can be considered just as vital to Chelsea's chances of silverware as any of the side's luxury players.

It is likely Ramires, or John Obi Mikel if he returns from injury, will take Matic's place if the appeal fails.