Atkinson not refereeing at weekend

Atkinson was in the spotlight for his decision not to take action against Burnley's Ashley Barnes for a studs-up challenge on Matic, and his subsequent dismissal of the Serb, who bundled Barnes to the ground in the aftermath.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho suggested Barnes should have been facing a three-game ban for what he termed an "end of career" tackle, but the Football Association has declined to take any retrospective action against Barnes, with Atkinson deemed to have been in the best place to make a judgement.

With a reduced Barclays Premier League fixture list, due to the Capital One Cup final between Chelsea and Tottenham, Atkinson is required only for fourth official's duty at Manchester United versus Sunderland on Saturday.

He will be back on the pitch on Tuesday, taking charge of Crystal Palace's trip to Southampton.

Source : PA

Source: PA