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Chelsea defender Reece James handed one-match ban

Chelsea defender Reece James handed one-match ban
© Reuters
The Football Association hands Chelsea defender Reece James a one-match ban for his conduct towards an official after a Premier League fixture with Aston Villa last month.

The Football Association has announced that Chelsea defender Reece James has been handed a one-match ban.

James has not represented the Blues since the opening weekend of the season, a consequence of suffering another hamstring injury.

However, the 23-year-old made comments to a match official after the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League last month.

In the aftermath of the setback at Stamford Bridge, James was in the tunnel when he allegedly exchanged words with referee Jarred Gillett.

While it has not been confirmed who the England international confronted, he has admitted to the offence of "improper, insulting and abusive words and behaviour towards a match official".

Aston Villa's Lucas Digne reacts after a challenge from Chelsea's Malo Gusto on September 24, 2023© Reuters

James is believed to have been left frustrated by the decision to send off Malo Gusto for what was deemed to be an overly-aggressive challenge on Lucas Digne.

Gillett initially handed the Frenchman - who had been deputising for James - a yellow card before VAR advised him to upgrade his decision.

As a result, James will now be suspended for Saturday's fixture at Burnley, one that he was already likely to miss as he looks to recover from his latest fitness issue.

Last week, head coach Mauricio Pochettino hinted that James may come back into contention for the trip to Turf Moor, although acknowledged that the match with Arsenal after the international break may be more likely.

With Marc Cucurella having so far made a positive impact in his unfamiliar role at right-back, Chelsea may deem it to be a blessing in disguise that James can take more time to prepare for his comeback.

The FA has added that it will publish its written reasons for the ban "at the earliest opportunity".

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