Fabregas ban reduced to one match following ‘bizarre’ red card

Chelsea playmaker Cesc Fabregas has had his three-match ban reduced to just one, with Chelsea successfully arguing the initial punishment was excessive following his ‘bizarre’ sending off against West Brom.
The Spain midfielder was shown a straight red card in Monday's 3-0 defeat at the Hawthorns after kicking the ball against Chris Brunt's head during a break in play.
He will now only miss Sunday's final day clash against Sunderland, when champions Chelsea will lift the Premier League trophy at Stamford Bridge.
A statement from Chelsea read: "The standard sanction would have been a three-match suspension.
"However, following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing earlier today, the club's claim that a three-match suspension is excessive was successful.
"Fabregas will therefore now only miss our final game of the season against Sunderland on Sunday and will be available for selection from the start of the 2015/16 campaign."
Fabregas was dismissed after a seemingly harmless 20-yard punt hit Brunt on the head while referee Mike Jones spoke to Gareth McAuley and Diego Costa after they grappled in the area.
A stumped Jose Mourinho questioned the referee’s decision, saying following the game: “I really don't understand, a three game ban for this? Jesus Christ!
“Harsh? Of course it's harsh! Three games? Jesus. Where is the danger of the situation, where is the aggression in the situation to get the red card?”
A statement from the Football Association on Wednesday read: "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."