Blues skipper James fined and banned for abusing match official

Chelsea skipper Reece James has been fined £90,000 and banned for one game after admitting to abusing a match official after last month's defeat to Aston Villa.

England wing-back James, who was not in the matchday squad when Villa secured a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge due to injury, was reported for his behaviour towards the official in the tunnel after the match.

On their FA Spokesperson account on X, formerly known as Twitter, the English game's governing body 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.

"An independent regulatory commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing and its written reasons for them will be published at the earliest opportunity."

James, 23, sustained a hamstring injury in training last month and has not appeared for Mauricio Pochettino's side since the home draw against Liverpool on the opening day of the season.

Chelsea are hoping he will be fit to return to action in the home Premier League game against Arsenal on October 21.

The Blues lie 11th in the Premier League table after Monday night's 2-0 victory at Fulham, their second win from seven matches this season.

Speaking after collecting three points at Craven Cottage, Pochettino said: "We need to keep calm and keep building the belief and the confidence.

"We have had many negative circumstances with so many players not fit but the most important thing is belief and the team believe in what we are doing."

Meanwhile, James' fellow full-back Ben Chilwell took to Instagram last night to expresshis frustration at being ruled out for two months with a hamstring injury.

He posted: "Can't catch a break. Believe me, I am more frustrated than you guys.

"All I can do now is help the team as best as I can from the sidelines until I can get back to giving everything for the club on the pitch again."