Credit: Imago / TNT Sports

Harri Burton

Wed 4 March 2026 21:35, UK

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Reece James was fortunate to escape punishment after the Chelsea star attempted to deceive Jarred Gillett against Aston Villa.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Blues defender attempted to buy a penalty at Villa Park on Wednesday, 4 March.

Ian Maatsen had his heart in his mouth after James went to ground inside the penalty area in the first eight minutes, but calls for a penalty were waved away instantly.

Hackett only recently hailed Gillett during Chelsea’s clash with Wolves. However, the referee was fairly criticised on this occasion, as James was not punished for a clear dive against the Villans.

Jarred Gillett fails to caution Reece James for diving at Villa Park

With VAR confirming that no penalty should have been awarded, questions over a potential caution for James have now been sparked after the incident unfolded at Villa Park.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I support the referee’s call of no penalty kick. The forward, in my opinion, has manufactured the contact and was looking to deceive the referee.

“Having said no penalty kick, I was surprised that referee Jarred Gillett failed to yellow-card the Chelsea player.”

Gillett is one of the most experienced officials in the Premier League, often being praised for his decisions, but Howard Webb should feel that he has let one key decision slip through his fingers here.

Liam Rosenior to take notes after James’ experience vs Aston Villa

James’s stats would suggest quite the game for a full-back who was playing in the centre of the park, partnering Moises Caicedo, during a 4-1 away win.

The 26-year-old captain completed 92 per cent of his passes, completed two dribbles, made seven passes into the final third, made three recoveries, won 100 per cent of his ground duels and 100 per cent of his aerial duels [FotMob].

However, the England international did lose concentration on a couple of occasions, nearly leading to Villa goals, and he may have been more comfortable in his normal full-back role.

Rosenior is not the first manager to use him out of position, nor will he be the last, but it remains to be seen what the player would rather do for the Blues.