Chelsea right-back Reece James has been charged by the Football Association for using foul and abusive language towards the referee despite not playing.

The 23-year-old is currently on the Chelsea treatment table after suffering a hamstring injury on the opening day of the season against Liverpool but is reportedly back in light training at the club’s Cobham Training Center.

FA charge Chelsea captain Reece James

The incident occurred in the Stamford Bridge tunnel following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in which referee Jarred Gillett sent off youngster Malo Gusto, deputizing for the injured James, following a short VAR check.

An FA 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, 24 September.

“It’s alleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behavior towards a match official in the tunnel after the game. Reece James has until Friday, 29 September, to provide a response to this charge.”