LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) Chelsea captain Reece James has been handed a one-match suspension and a fine of £90,000 for aiming “abusive words” at a match official.
The England international defender has been punished for confronting a match official after Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League last month.
He was at fault for breaching FA Rule E3, and an independent Regulatory Commission of the parent body imposed a one-match ban and a fine that amounts to £90,000 on the player.
A full statement from the FA reads: “Reece James has been given a one-game suspension and £90,000 fine for breaching FA Rule E3 at Chelsea’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday 24 September.
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“The defender admitted he used improper, insulting and 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.”
Despite being out injured for the Aston Villa clash, the Chelsea skipper confronted a match official in the tunnel after the full-time whistle and allegedly directed “improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words” to the official.
The 23-year-old has been out of action since the Blues’ draw against Liverpool in their season opener.
He is still recovering from his long-term hamstring injury, and it is still not clear when the full-back will return to action, but he will definitely be suspended for Chelsea’s next league game against Burnley.