Cesc Fabregas Red-Card Ban Reduced to 1 Match After Appeal

The ban received by Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas for his red card against West Bromwich Albion on Monday has been reduced from three matches to one following a successful appeal.  

News of the amendment to the sanction was reported by the club’s official website on Wednesday in which it was revealed the champions found the initial punishment "excessive." Also included in the piece was an accompanying statement from The Football Association:

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A claim by Chelsea that the three-match suspension for Cesc Fabregas is excessive has been upheld by an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.

Fabregas was dismissed for violent conduct during the West Bromwich Albion FC v Chelsea FC fixture on 18 May. The Regulatory Commission has reduced the Chelsea midfielder’s suspension to one match, to be served with immediate effect.

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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

The Spaniard was dismissed by referee Mike Jones during the first half of the match at the Hawthorns after aiming the ball towards a group of Baggies players.

The kick struck Chris Brunt on the head, prompting angry reactions from his team-mates before the former Barcelona star was given his marching orders. Chelsea—already 1-0 down—went on to lose the game 3-0.

Here’s Bleacher Report UK’s unique take on how the incident panned out:

Although the bizarre incident prompted a flurry of comical reactions on social media, news of this reduction is vital for Chelsea. It means that Fabregas will now only miss the final game of this season against Sunderland and will be free to take the field for the 2015/16 opener when the Blues get their title defence underway.