© EuroFootball.com
London team received good news from the UEFA disciplinary committee on Monday - the automatic three-match disqualification for defender Asier Del Horno has been reduced to one match.
This means that one of the main players of the English champions will have to miss the return match against , but in case of success could play in the first quarter-final clash.
The left-back defender from Spain received a red card in the controversial first UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against the aforementioned "Barcelona". In the 36th minute of the match, A. Del Horno roughly brought down his young opponent Lionel Messi and the referee decisively sent the defender off the field, despite the opinion of many experts that the incident was probably worth just a warning.
After the match, A. Del Horno accused L. Messi of playacting. His protégé was also defended by "Chelsea" coach Jose Mourinho, who did not spare criticism for the young Argentine and the referee's strict decision.
Nevertheless, after such a UEFA decision, in a statement from "Chelsea" it is stated that the club is very pleased. However, the English had to file an appeal, which after consideration by the members of the disciplinary committee, led to a reduction in the penalty.
"After the statement submitted by the London club, UEFA analyzed the video material of the incident and decided that the behavior was not violent. It was recognized that a three-match disqualification was not an appropriate punishment.
Although the "Chelsea" team is disappointed that they have lost Asier for the return match in Barcelona, we are pleased that UEFA considered and accepted our statement," the club's statement said.
