REECE JAMES has been slapped with a one-match ban for his post-match rant after Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa – a match he didn’t play in.
The Blues skipper was last week charged with using “insulting or abusive” language to referee Jared Gillet in their 1-0 loss to the Villans last month.
The incident took place after the match, which the defender missed through injury.
And FA chiefs have punished him with a one-game suspension for his violation of FA Rule E3.
Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino refused to be drawn on the charge when questioned about it last week.
The Argentine said: “I don’t know what is going to happen.
READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
“But I think he can be involved with the team again as soon as possible.
“I have nothing to say about that.
“I didn’t see the situation. I cannot say nothing.”
James’ one-match ban means he won’t be available for selection for Chelsea’s trip to Turf Moor on Saturday to take on Burnley.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
James, however, was already set to miss the game with the hamstring injury that kept him on the sidelines for the Villa match last month.
Initial assessments of James’ injury estimated a return to light training later this month.
But according to reports, the 23-year-old could make a fasted-than-expected return to the starting XI.
The Daily Mail recently claimed the right-back’s rehab is going better than first expected.
So he could very well be back on the pitch for the Blues’ London derby with Arsenal a fortnight on Saturday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
