Chelsea captain Reece James handed one-match BAN for insulting referee after match he didn’t play in

REECE JAMES has been slapped with a one-match ban for his post-match rant after Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa – a match he didn’t play in.

The Blues skipper was last week charged with using “insulting or abusive” language to referee Jared Gillet in their 1-0 loss to the Villans last month.

GETTYReece James has been slapped with a one-match ban[/caption]

James was charged with using “insulting or abusive” language to referee Jared Gillet in Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last monthREX

The incident took place after the match, which the defender missed through injury.

And FA chiefs have punished him with a one-game suspension for his violation of FA Rule E3.

Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino refused to be drawn on the charge when questioned about it last week.

The Argentine said: “I don’t know what is going to happen.

“But I think he can be involved with the team again as soon as possible.

“I have nothing to say about that.

“I didn’t see the situation. I cannot say nothing.”

James’ one-match ban means he won’t be available for selection for their trip to Turf Moor on Saturday.

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James, however, was set to miss the game with the hamstring injury that kept him on the sidelines for the Villa match next month.

Initial assessments of James’ injury estimated a return to light training later this month.

But according to reports, the 23-year-old could make a fasted-than-expected return to the starting XI.

The Daily Mail recently claimed the right-back’s rehab is going better than first expected.

So he could very well be back on the pitch for the Blues’ London derby with Arsenal a fortnight on Saturday.

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