John Terry’s European ban reduced to two games following Chelsea appeal

Terry missed last season’s Champions League final win over Bayern Munich after being given a three-match suspension for violent conduct, following his straight red card in the second-leg of the Blues’ semi-final against Barcelona. 

But Uefa have now cut the ban to two games, the second of which will be Chelsea’s Super League match against Atletico Madrid on August 31, allowing the 31-year-old to be available for his side’s first Champions League group game as they aim to defend their title. 

The third match of his ban will be suspended for three years.

A Uefa statement read: ‘The Uefa appeals body has partially upheld John Terry’s appeal against the three-match European ban imposed on the Chelsea FC defender at the end of last season. 

‘Although the central defender is still suspended for three Uefa club competition matches, the third game of the ban has now been deferred for a probationary period of three years. 

‘The Uefa appeals body decided to partially uphold Terry’s appeal against the three-match suspension handed down to him by the Uefa control and disciplinary body on 31 May.’ 

Roberto Di Matteo’s side qualified for this season’s competition as winners, taking the place of London rivals Tottenham, who finished above them in the Premier League. 

Tottenham will now take part in the Europa League instead.