This England Women’s Soccer Player Who Stamped On A Nigerian Player Has Been Banned For Two Games
England player Lauren James has been suspended for two games after literally stamping on the back of Nigerian forward Michelle Alozie in a moment of reckless frustration.
During a round of 16 match in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, England player Lauren James was sent off after literally stamping on the back of Nigerian forward Michelle Alozie in a moment of reckless frustration.
The incident happened during the 87th minute of a match between England and Nigeria on Monday Aug. 7 when both countries were tied at 0-0, before England prevailed 4-2 during a penalty shoot-out at Brisbane stadium in Australia.
21-year-old James was initially given a yellow card, which was later upgraded to a red and dismissal from play following a VAR review for the act of violent petulance.
In a statement released on Thursday August 10, FIFA announced that its disciplinary committee has imposed a two-match suspension on James.
“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that,” it said.
This means that England must advance to the finals in order for James to see anymore playtime in this year’s World Cup.
James has since apologized to Alozie on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience,” she tweeted.
“abeg, rest. we are playing on the world’s stage. this game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. all respect for Lauren James,” Alozie replied.
James had been a crucial player for England with three goals and three assists during the Group Stages despite it being her first ever appearance at the World Cup
Her fellow Lionessness have rallied to support her.
“She’s a young player and not one person thinks anything bad about LJ. She’s been a superstar in the first three games,” England’s right-back Lucy Bronze said.
England’s manager Sarina Wiegman said James is an inexperienced player who lost her emotions for a split second, adding that it was a huge lesson for her to learn.
England face an uphill battle as they advance to the quarterfinals. They next face Colombia on Saturday Aug. 12.
