Chelsea’s captain Reece James has confessed to engaging in “inappropriate, offensive, and disrespectful language and conduct” directed at a match official after the team’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in September. As a consequence, he will serve a one-match suspension. James, currently recovering from a hamstring injury, has also been fined £90,000. The Football Association (FA) has indicated that they will release the detailed written explanations “as soon as possible.”
Reece James has been handed a one-match ban and fined £90,000 for using “improper, insulting and abusive words and behaviour” towards a match official.
The incident, which happened in the tunnel, came following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in September.
James reportedly approached referee Jarred Gillett after the game which saw Malo Gusto sent off in the 58th minute before Ollie Watkins struck the decisive goal.
The defender was not involved in the game due to the hamstring injury he’s currently nursing and has admitted the charge.
The FA say the written reasons for James’ punishment would be published “at the earliest opportunity”.
The win for Villa piled more misery on Chelsea who continued their disappointing start to the season, suffering their third Premier League defeat of the season.
Gillett made a big call to send Gusto off for dangerous play after he was advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Upon review, the Australian referee upgraded Gusto’s yellow card to a red.
Since the defeat to Villa, Chelsea have won back-to-back games including a 1-0 League Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion and a 2-0 win away at Fulham – only their third league victory of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team currently occupies the 11th position in the league standings and is scheduled for an away match against Burnley, who are currently positioned 18th, on Saturday.
