Reece James handed £90,000 fine and one-match ban for abusing match official at Chelsea defeat

Chelsea captain Reece James has been handed a £90,000 fine and banned for one match for abusing a match official after their defeat to Aston Villa last month.

The defender, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, is was reported for his behaviour towards the official down the tunnel towards the end of the match, which the Blues lost 1-0.

The FA said on its Spokesperson Twitter account: «Reece James has been given a one-match suspension and £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/or 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.»

The hosts had Malo Gusto sent off after his booking for a challenge on Lucas Digne was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review.

Chelsea have made a slow start to the season as they find themselves in 11th spot in the Premier League table with eight points from seven matches. The defeat to Villa was their third of the season.

James sustained a hamstring injury in training last month and has not appeared for Mauricio Pochettino's side since the home draw against Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.

Chelsea are hoping James will be fit to return to action in the home Premier League game against Arsenal on October 21.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest Chelsea fixtures and results and live Premier League standings in our new match centre.