Chelsea left back Asier Del Horno's three-match European ban has been reduced to one following his dismissal against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, the English champions said on Monday. The Spanish defender was sent-off after a challenge on Barcelona forward Lionel Messi during the first-leg of their UCL round of 16 clash on Wednesday. "Following the sending-off of Asier Del Horno against Barcelona, Chelsea FC were asked for our observations on the incident as part of the standard UEFA disciplinary procedure," read a statement carried by Chelsea's official website. "In that submission we made a case that the offence of violent conduct was unjustified and that an automatic three match ban as a result would similarly be unjust. "After our submission, UEFA analyzed video footage of the incident and made the decision that the offence did not constitute violent conduct. It was decided that a three match ban was not applicable," the statement added. Chelsea have expressed their satisfaction with UEFA's decision to reduce Del Horno's ban, although he will not feature against Barcelona in the return leg. "Although Chelsea is still disappointed to lose Asier for the next match in Barcelona, we are pleased that UEFA considered and accepted our submission positively." The return leg between Barcelona and Chelsea will take place on the 7th of March in Nou Camp.
