Reece James banned for one game after tunnel incident with referee in Chelsea’s loss to Aston Villa… with the ban to take effect immediately meaning he could return for their post-international break clash with Arsenal

• Reece James will miss the clash with Burnley due to a one-match ban 
• He might have missed the game anyway as he has been out with an injury 
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Reece James has received a one-match ban and fined £90,000 after admitting to abusing a match official after Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa.

The Blues captain, who was not part of the matchday squad as he has been out since the opening game of the season with an injury, was reported for his behaviour towards referee Jarred Gillett.

In a statement on social media, the FA said: ‘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 defender admitted that he used improper, insulting and/or abusive words and behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the final whistle.’

The ban will be effective immediately, meaning that he misses their clash with Burnley this weekend – one he might have missed anyway, as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Reece James has been handed to a one-match ban after admitting to using ‘insulting and/or abusive words and behaviour’ towards a match official in the defeat to Aston Villa

James didn’t play against Aston Villa as he has been out since the opening day of the season with a hamstring injury (pictured right alongside Chelsea owner Todd Boehly)

James’ ban will be effective immediately meaning he could return against Arsenal

It means he could be back for the clash with Arsenal on October 21 after the international break, should he be fit by the time of the match.

Chelsea were frustrated with the defeat to Villa, as a goal from Ollie Watkins ensured the three points for Unai Emery’s side.

French defender Malo Gusto was sent off in the 58th minute for dangerous play after the video assistant referee (VAR) encouraged referee Gillett to check the pitchside monitor.

Gusto was initially shown a yellow card for a tackle on Villa defender Lucas Digne by Gillett, but the official upgraded it to a red.

Chelsea will be looking to go into the international break in positive style, as a win over Burnley would be their third in a row before the two-week break.  

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