Reece James, a defender for Chelsea, admitted to insulting a referee following the team’s loss to Aston Villa last month and was given a £90,000 fine and a one-game suspension.
Wing-back for England James was reported for his conduct towards the official in the tunnel following the game. James was injured and was not part of the matchday squad as Villa won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
“Reece James has been given a one-match suspension and £90,000 fine for breaching FA Rule E3 at Chelsea’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday, September 24,” the FA stated on their Spokesperson Twitter account.
“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, 23, suffered a hamstring injury in practise last month and hasn’t played for Mauricio Pochettino’s team since the opening-day draw at home against Liverpool.
James’ return to action for Chelsea is anticipated for the October 21 Premier League match against Arsenal.
After winning 2-0 at Fulham on Monday night, the Blues are currently 11th in the Premier League standings. This is their second victory in as many games this year.
Speaking after collecting three points at Craven Cottage, Pochettino said: “We need to keep calm and keep building the belief and the confidence.
“We have had many negative circumstances with so many players not fit but the most important thing is belief and the team believe in what we are doing.”
Another Blues fullback Ben Chilwell expressed his annoyance at having a hamstring injury that would keep him out for two months.
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He posted on Instagram on Tuesday night: “Can’t catch a break.
“Believe me, I am more frustrated than you guys. All I can do now is help the team as best as I can from the sidelines, until I can get back to giving everything for the club on the pitch again.”
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