Chelsea defender Reece James received a one-game suspension and a £90,000 ($109,000) fine for insulting a match official following his team’s defeat to Aston Villa.
James admitted using “improper, insulting, and abusive words and behaviour” after he reportedly confronted referee Jarred Gillett in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea lost 1-0 to Villa in the Premier League fixture, and the 23-year-old was believed to have been angered when Chelsea defender Malo Gusto was sent off in the second half.
Gusto was sent off for a dangerous play after Gillett was advised by VAR to check the pitchside monitor, having initially booked him for a foul on Villa’s Lucas Digne.
James had been watching from the stands because he had been ruled out of the matchday squad due to an injury.
“Reece James has been given a one-match suspension and a £90,000 fine for breaching FA Rule E3 at Chelsea’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday, September 24,” an FA spokesperson said on Wednesday.
“The defender admitted that he used improper, insulting, and/or abusive words and behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the final whistle.
“An independent regulatory commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing, and its written reasons for them will be published at the earliest opportunity.”
James suffered a hamstring injury in training last month and has not played for Mauricio Pochettino’s side since a 1-1 draw with Liverpool on the season’s opening day.
Chelsea hopes Recee will be able to play in the London derby against Arsenal on October 21.
