Chelsea Football Club’s attempt to overturn Reece James suspension for the start of the 2024-25 season has been rejected by the Football Association (FA).
Chelsea appealed that James “disoriented” after being fouled from behind and did not intend to harm Brighton’s Joao Pedro.
They claimed Pedro made contact as he ran past, and James was merely pushing him away with his foot.
However, the FA’s independent regulatory commission did not find this explanation convincing. “The account of Mr. James was not persuasive,” the commission stated.
“It is evident from the video evidence that Mr. James does kick out at the opposing player, catching him below the left knee. It was not accepted that he was in some way disoriented. The player was running away from him. This was not merely a coming together.”
The FA document continued: “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 appeal was dismissed.”
As a result, the 24-year-old captain will miss Chelsea’s first three matches of the 2024-25 campaign, having already missed their final fixture against Bournemouth.
This suspension marks Reece James second red card of the season, with his first coming from two yellows against Newcastle.
Chelsea struggled with discipline during the 2023-24 season, setting a record for the most yellow cards received in Premier League history.
