Reece James charged by the FA despite Chelsea star not even playing in game

Chelsea captain Reece James has been charged by the FA for an alleged tunnel incident against Aston Villa despite the England international not even featuring in the game

Posted Thursday, September 28, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Chelsea captain Reece James has been charged by the FA for an alleged incident in the tunnel after the Blues' Premier League defeat at home against Aston Villa on Saturday.

James was charged by the FA on Wednesday for breaching FA Rule E3. An FA statement read: "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.

"Reece James has until Friday, 29 September, to provide a response to this charge."

Chelsea captain Reece James has been charged by the FA for an alleged incident in the tunnel after the Blues' Premier League defeat at home against Aston Villa on Saturday.

"Reece James has until Friday, 29 September, to provide a response to this charge."

A nightmare beginning to the season for James sees his recent injury woes continue after he only featured in 16 Premier League games last season.

Chelsea were beaten by a second-half Ollie Watkins goal and are now on a run of three Premier League games without scoring, with the previous two games against bottom half of the table sides Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

The result sees Mauricio Pochettino’s side fall to 14th place in the table after winning just one of their six league games under their new boss so far.

After the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta in the summer, James was named as club captain but it’s so far been an incredibly frustrating beginning to life with the armband for the England international, with Wednesday's charge to his name the latest knock in a miserable personal season so far.

Chelsea have a welcome break away from league action on Wednesday night as they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup.