Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a blow as defender Reece James has been fined £90,000 (N84M) by the FA and banned for one game.
James, who was named by Pochettino as new club captain will now serve a one-game ban and pay a hefty fine for using 'improper, abusive and insulting' words towards a match official following Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last month.
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Chelsea's Reece James fined by FA
The Chelsea captain has been unavailable for the last 8 games, and was not on the pitch during the defeat to Villa, but spoke to the officials in the tunnel at full time.
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An FA statement read:
"Reece James has been given a one-game suspension and £90,000 fine for breaching FA Rule E3 at Chelsea's Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday 24 September.
"The defender admitted he used improper, insulting, and 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."
Chelsea's next game is a trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.
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