The FA & their decision re Matic

As a football fan with no bias to either Chelsea or Burnley the decision to me to not rescind Matic's red card is yet another example of how out of touch theFA are with reality and the true sportsmanship that's gone from the game!

Not going to comment on whether or not Barnes should have received a post match ban as we all know the ridiculous rule that the FA chose to hide behind when it's convenient for them (Iain Hume experienced this worse than anyone) but what I can't believe is the decision NOT to rescind Matic's red!

So a professional player will now miss a major cup final because of an incident which saw him push an opponent who could have ended his career with a shocking challenge!! In my opinion Matic should be applauded for his control .... Personally I would have kicked 10 shades of **** out of Barnes for the challenge!!

One more thought about all of this and the Mourinho calling it a crime & Dyche claiming no one other than Matic knew the severity of the challenge other than Matic I have to disagree ..... Barnes knew!! He had the chance immediately to acknowledge the bad tackle at the time if in deed it was just mis timed or even to speak out after on behalf of a fellow pro who will now miss a cup final!!

 

I think he deserves the ban. Not that Barnes can be excused by Matic's actions clearly deserved a red.

 

Imagine the uproar if he was let off then played a pivotal part in their League Cup final success against Tottenham!

You can see why he reacted how he did, but he deserved to be sent off. Whether Barnes meant it or not is another matter, I personally don't think he did but if he had a Chelsea shirt on my opinion may be swayed the other way.

 

Barnes should be punished for the challenge. No doubt in my mind. I want to see skillful players playing without fear of being crippled. I want to see well timed challenges and good defending stopping them too, the art of tackling isn't dead there are many fine defenders in the Premier League that prove this.

But there's no way Matic should get away with his actions. It can't be ok to exact retribution on opponents.

 

^^^^^ This.

 

I can understand why he reacted in the way he did but his actions were stupid and a ban is probably fair although the decision not to throw the book at Barnes through retrospective punishment is beyond a joke and makes the FA look utterly out of touch.

 

No way they could overturn it. By the rules as they are it was a red. Stupid reaction.

 

Stupid reaction .... Just nearly had a career ending challenge on him .... What's he supposed to do jump up and say "jolly good effort chap!"

Not sure any pro player would not have reacted any differently!!

 

And they'd all be sent off.

 

Just because it's understandable doesn't make it right. If someone nearly runs you over then you drag them out of their car and give them a kicking you shouldn't get away with it because they could have killed you.

The ban should have remained at 3 matches. All that reducing it will have done is signal to Mourinho that his tedious brand of gobshitery pays off.