Chelsea captain Reece James has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for using ‘abusive words’ towards a match official in the tunnel following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The FA released a statement on Wednesday indicting James: “Reece James has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following Chelsea’s Premier League game against Aston Villa.

“It’s alleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the game.

“Reece James has until Friday, 29 September, to provide a response to this charge.”

Meanwhile, Reece James is currently out injured with a hamstring injury and has not featured for Chelsea since the first Premier League game of the season.