Reece James charged with ‘improper, insulting or abusive behaviour’ down tunnel after Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa

Reece James has been charged for allegedly aiming improper/insulting or abusive words at a match official after Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa.

The Blues captain, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, is said to have taken aim at a match official down the tunnel at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.

The hosts had Malo Gusto sent off after his booking for a challenge on Lucas Digne was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review and James has now been charged with referee Jarred Gillett or one of his assistant.

A statement read: “Reece James has been charged with breach of FA Rule E3 following Chelsea‘s Premier League game with Aston Villa on Sunday 24 September.

“It’s allleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting/ and or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after the game.

“Reece James has until Friday, September 29, to provide a response to this charge.”

As a result of the Villa loss, Chelsea sit 14th in the table and have won just one of their six Premier League games under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

James was given the captain’s armband by Pochettino ahead of the new campaign but came off injured just 76 minutes into the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on the opening weekend.

Chelsea are in action on Wednesday night as they entertain Brighton in the Carabao Cup, kick-off 7:45pm.

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