Chelsea are to appeal against the red card shown to Nemanja Matic during Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League home draw with Burnley, according to Sky Sports.

Matic was sent off in the 70th minute at Stamford Bridge for his violent reaction to a studs-up challenge from Burnley’s Ashley Barnes.

But the FA said on Twitter yesterday that no action would be taken against Barnes as the incident was seen by the officials.

“A criminal tackle. Matic is a very lucky guy,” said Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after his midfield player escaped injury.

The 26-year-old Serbian international rushed at Barnes and pushed him to the ground but he was defended by his manager.

“Football is about emotions and clearly Matic had a reason to lose his emotions,” Mourinho said.

“What are the consequences of his push? Nothing. The consequence for Matic from the tackle? It could have been the end of his career.”

The FA added on Twitter: “In the vast majority of challenges for the ball, no retrospective action is taken as the incident has been seen by the match officials.

“Retrospective action introduced as deterrent for ‘off the ball incidents’ (for example kicks, stamps etc) committed out of sight of officials. Whole game in agreement that, in vast majority of cases, match officials are best-placed to deal with incidents to avoid re-refereeing.”

Chelsea must submit their appeal to the FA by today. Unless it succeeds, Matic will miss Sunday’s League Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.