Chelsea skipper Reece James banned for the game vs Burnley but will be available against Arsenal
Chelsea captain Reece James, who is currently recuperating from a hamstring injury, is set to miss the game against Burnley after being handed a one-match ban for abusive language towards referee Jarred Gillett in the tunnel after the Blues lost to Aston Villa in September.
The right-back will miss the next league game against the Clarets due to his injury and it is fortunate that the ban overlaps it. He is now set to return to action against Arsenal after the international break.
The 23-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in the opening game of the season against Liverpool and has since been on the sidelines. Vice-captain Ben Chilwell has since joined James on the list of injuries after sustaining a hamstring injury himself and will be out until December.
FA released a statement regarding James, (h/t Metro) which read:
‘‘Reece James has been given a one-match suspension and a £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 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.’’
In addition to the suspension, James will also pay a £90,000 fine for breaching FA regulations. Dissent against inefficient refereeing has become a regular issue now and James too finds himself in the crosshairs for his actions.
Reece James is fortunate to avoid a severe penalty as the FA tends to not take issues that breach their regulations kindly. As the skipper, it is imperative that he voices his opinions but also find a way to do so so that it avoids breaching rules and getting himself into trouble.
For the time being, it is believed that he will be able to play against Arsenal, and let’s hope that is the case because we will need a top-notch right-back against the Gunners.
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