Chelsea captain Reece James has been handed a one-match suspension and a fine of £90,000 by the Football Association for using insulting language towards a match official following his side’s 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa last month.
Despite not featuring in the game due to injury, the defender confronted the officials in the tunnel at full-time.
An FA statement read: “Reece James has been given a one-match suspension and fined £90,000 for breaching FA Rule E3 at Chelsea’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday 24 September.”
“The defender admitted to using ‘improper, insulting and abusive words and behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the final whistle’.”
James has had a torrid start to his first season as the club captain, being forced to sit out most of the fixtures so far this season due to a hamstring injury.
Chelsea won 2-0 at Fulham on Monday night and sit 11th in the Premier League table.
