Lauren James has been handed a two-game suspension for her stamp on Michelle Alozie during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 clash between England and Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday.
James was sent off after she stamped on Alozie’s back with the referee first giving the Chelsea forward a yellow card before upgrading it to a red card after VAR review.
According to FIFA rules, a straight red card is an automatic ban for one game but after further review, James has been banned for an extra game. This means the sister of Chelsea right-back Reece James will miss England’s quarter-final against Colombia on Saturday and potentially the semi-final.
James could return should England reach their first-ever Women’s World Cup final on August 20. The 21-year-old has apologised to Alozie for her challenge and has promised to learn from the experience.
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. https://t.co/Vi4hBIewiS
— Lauren James (@laurenjamess22) August 8, 2023
James is the second player to receive a straight red card after Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun. The Rivers Angels defensive midfielder got sent off in the Super Falcons’ Group B opener against Canada which ended goalless.
She was handed a three-game suspension and played no further part in the World Cup as a result.
