Chelsea captain Reece James is facing charges from the Football Association (FA) for confronting an official following his team’s loss to Aston Villa.
The FA has accused him of using “improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words” towards the official.
James, 23, was not part of the Chelsea squad that suffered a 1-0 defeat against Villa on Sunday.
He has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in the team’s first Premier League match of the season against Liverpool.
Despite not playing, James attended the match and confronted the official after the game, potentially leading to a suspension.
A statement read: “Reece James has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following Chelsea’s Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday, September 24.
It is alleged that the defender engaged in inappropriate and/or offensive and/or abusive language and/or conduct towards a match official in the tunnel following the match.
Reece James has until Friday, September 29, to provide a formal response to this charge.
While he aims to expedite his recovery from injury, James must address the FA’s allegations before any potential disciplinary action is taken.