Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail is picking up some seriously interesting exclusives at the moment, and that includes today’s update on Reece James’ red card picked up in the penultimate game of last season.
The Chelsea captain kicked out at Joao Pedro late in the game against Brighton, and after a video review was shown a straight red. It was his second dismissal of the season, meaning a 4 game ban. The first game of that was served against Bournemouth on the final day, meaning there are still 3 games left for the 24 year old to sit out.
It seems Chelsea tried to appeal the length of the ban, with Gill quoting the FA’s response to Chelsea’s excuses:
“It was not accepted that [James] simply used his leg to push the opposing player away. It is clear from the video evidence that he kicked out at the opposing player with a straight left leg. It was unnecessary and amounted to an act of violent conduct,” the governing body explained.
A petulant act, but a pointless appeal
We can understand why there is frustration about the ban – it wasn’t dangerous or even particularly violent. But it was a kick out, and you’re always going to get a red for that. You’re certainly not going to get a red overturned. Getting 4 games off for such a tiny kick seems mad – but those are the rules, and we all know them.
Still, Malo Gusto showed all year long that he’s a worth alternative, and he will now get a nice run of minutes to start the new season. Let’s hope James spends that time on the sidelines learning to control his temper a little. He’s usually such a cool character, but these flashes of frustration have cost him dearly on a couple of occasions now.
Reece is a Good player