England star Lauren James was sent off for stamping on Nigeria's Michelle Alozie during their FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 clash.
James was sent off for a deliberate stamp on Super Falcons' Michelle Alozie, late into the second half of England's clash with Nigeria on Monday.
The Chelsea playmaker was having a disapointing game and took her frustrations out with a needless stamp, getting herself suspended for England's next game.
Lauren James apologises to Alozie for stamp
James came into this game on the back of a stunning virtuoso performance against China, but found Nigeria's detailed man-marking, a tougher nut to crack.
After initially receiving a yellow card for her actions, a swift VAR consultation resulted in an inevitable red for the forward.
James was widely condemned for her actions and has now come out to apologsie to Alozie.
In a post from her official Twitter account, James replied to an earlier post from Nigeria's Alozie:
"All my love and respect to you (Alozie). 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."
Alozie had initially sent out a tweet showing support for James, implying that footballers play for passion and that can sometimes boil over.
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ANALYSIS Super Falcons: Halimatu Ayinde frustrated Lauren James, but Nigeria could not benefit from her man-marking masterclass
Randy Waldrum deployed Halimatu Ayinde in a committed role to neuter the in-form Lauren James, and it worked, with the vexed England forward’s 87th-minute dismissal leaving the Three Lionesses shorthanded. Not taking advantage was disappointing for the Super Falcons.
The official ban for James is one match but FIFA's disciplinary commitee can extend suspenions at their discretion.
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