Burnley striker Ashley Barnes has broken his silence over his clash with Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic last month.

Barnes' challenge was branded 'criminal' by Blues boss Jose Mourinho and Matic's retaliation saw him receive a red card during the 1-1 draw.

He told the Mail on Sunday: "You're always going to get people who come out of the woodwork and voice their opinion. There were lots of comments made that it was a 'criminal tackle' and that it was disgusting but you just have to laugh it off really.

"Obviously I've not meant it. I give my all for the team but I'm an honest player. As I've gone to pass the ball he's come to try and screen in front of the strikers. I've took a heavy touch and as I've gone to pass to Jonesy (Dave Jones) I've caught him on the shin with the follow through of the pass.

"It wasn't intentional, of course. I would never go out on a football pitch to try and hurt an opponent. But there were so many different angles and it got picked out and scrutinised to the nth degree but you just have to get on with it.

"I don't really take anything from it. All I can do is apologise that I've caught him in that manner. As you can see nobody in the ground reacted and the next minute he came and pushed me over."