Reece James could be hit with a ban when he returns from injury after the Chelsea captain was charged by the Football Association with abusing a match official following his side’s defeat to Aston Villa last Sunday.
It is alleged that the incident occurred when James, who was ruled out of the game, confronted the referee, Jarred Gillett, in the Stamford Bridge tunnel after a fiery encounter against Villa. Chelsea were unhappy with Gillett after a VAR review resulted in Malo Gusto being sent off for a challenge on Lucas Digne with the score still locked at 0-0 at the start of the second half.
“It’s alleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the game,” the FA said in a statement. “Reece James has until Friday 29 September to provide a response to this charge.”
Gillett had earlier infuriated Chelsea by only playing two of the allotted three minutes at the end of the first half, but news of the FA charging James will raise further questions for Mauricio Pochettino over his young squad’s discipline. Gusto is serving a three-match ban following his red card and Pochettino was unimpressed with Nicolas Jackson for earning his fifth yellow card of the season against Villa. The striker, who is yet to be booked for a foul, will miss Monday’s trip to Fulham.
Pochettino needs James to show a better example after the England international, who has been out with a hamstring injury for over a month, was named as Chelsea’s new captain before the start of the season.
But James is facing the prospect of a ban or a heavy fine after landing himself in hot water with the authorities. It will be a huge frustration for Chelsea if the 23-year-old, who has until Friday to respond to the charge, is unable to take to the field immediately after his return to fitness.
While there can be a quick turnaround in this type of case, James receiving a non-standard charge will lower the likelihood of a swift resolution and reduce the defender’s chances of serving a ban while he is out injured if he is found guilty. It is highly unlikely that there will be a decision before Chelsea face Fulham.
It is understood that James, who is a few weeks away from regaining fitness, will need to attend a disciplinary hearing in front of an independent panel. A delay in proceedings could work against Chelsea, whose final game before next month’s international break is at Burnley on 7 October. Pochettino’s side, who are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, have a daunting run of fixtures when club football resumes and they will be desperate to have James available.
James has struggled with injuries during the past two years and has not played since Chelsea’s draw with Liverpool on the opening day of the season. Chelsea signed Gusto to provide cover for him but the Frenchman’s suspension leaves Pochettino without a recognised right-back for the Fulham and Burnley games. Axel Disasi will be favourite to start on the right.
