An appeal by Chelsea that the three-match suspension for Nemanja Matic is excessive has been upheld by an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today [Tuesday 24 February 2015].

The player was dismissed for violent conduct during the game against Burnley on Saturday 21 February 2015.

The Regulatory Commission has reduced the Chelsea midfielder’s suspension to two matches, to be served with immediate effect.

Roger Burden, Chairman of the Regulatory Commission, said: "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."

Click here for the written reasons for this case.