JOHN Barnes has defended namesake Ashley Barnes after the Burnley striker received fierce criticism following the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho hit out at Ashley Barnes' involvement in Nemanja Matic's red card and insisted that the Clarets forward should receive a six-match suspension.
But former Liverpool and England ace John Barnes told Talksport: “Jose Mourinho has gone a bit over the top a bit about Ashley Barnes.
"I have a little bit of sympathy with Ashley Barnes.
“It wasn’t even a tackle. He was going to pass the ball to the full back. He’s followed through and caught him.
“It looked worse than it actually was. I don’t think you should be attacking players (like that).
"Referees are not against Chelsea, they make mistakes. Jose’s gone a bit over the top."
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