Fights and arguments are nothing new to the world of football. In every match, we see players locking horns with each other and sometimes the referee as well. Chelsea’s captain, Reece James, also got into a quarrel with a match official.
The incident has not been taken well by the FA, and the English right-back is now being fined. Consequently, James has been out of action for almost a month now, but it seems like the player cannot stay away from the action.
Reece James slapped with a $109,325 fine
On September 24, Chelsea faced Aston Villa in the Premier League Round 6. Chelsea was put at a disadvantage after their right back, Malo Gusto, was shown a red card, forcing the defender to the sidelines. The Blues tried their best to keep the Lions at bay with 10 men but failed to do so. Ollie Watkins scored the first and only goal of the match in the 73rd minute, earning his team an extra three points.
Team captain Reece James confronted a referee in the tunnel after the final whistle. The 23-year-old has admitted to using foul language towards the official and breaching FA rule E3. His behaviour has now earned him a one-match ban and a $109,325 fine from the FA.
An official statement by the FA read: “Reece James has been given a one-game 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 he used improper, insulting, and abusive words and behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the final whistle. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing, and its written reasons for them will be published at the earliest opportunity.”
James’ anticipated return date
Reece James has been in a bad spot for quite some time now. The right-back was unable to play for England in the 2022 World Cup due to an injury, and he has been forced to the sidelines once again. The 23-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s first Premier League match this season against Liverpool.
The right-back wants to get on the field as soon as possible, but he does not want to rush things. “I want to get back out there soon, but it’s also important to make sure that it’s the right moment so that when I do come back, I’m in a position to continue the season without any problems later on,” he said. Reece James will not be making an appearance in Chelsea’s next game against Burnley, but the Blues are hoping that he will be available against Arsenal on October 21st.
Reece James will now have to pay the fine for his mistakes, and hopefully, the captain will keep his anger under control once he returns.
