Reece James Faces FA Charges for Confronting Referee

Chelsea captain, Reece James, is expected to respond today, Friday 29 September, to charges by the Football Association (FA) for allegedly verbally abusing a match official.

The incident in question allegedly took place last Sunday, 24 September, as Chelsea suffered a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa after Blues defender Malo Gusto was sent off with a red card that left many fuming.

James has been accused of confronting the referee, Jarred Gillett, in the Stamford Bridge tunnel at his home stadium in London, England after the match. It’s unclear what exactly was said to Gillett at the time of the alleged confrontation.

The FA released a statement to the media on Wednesday, 27 September, saying: “It’s alleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the game.”

A regulatory commission hearing is expected to convene to determine the severity of the footballer’s punishment. If found guilty, the 23-year-old could face either a ban or a heavy fine by the FA.

Chelsea will find themselves in a tricky situation if James – who has been off recuperating from a hamstring injury which occurred during training last month – is slapped with a ban or suspension, as they were counting on him to return to the field soon.

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