Lauren James has been handed a two-game ban by FIFA following her red card in England’s win over Nigeria on penalties at the Women’s World Cup.
James was sent off in the second half of the Lionesses’ narrow victory in the last-16 on Monday. The Chelsea forward stood on Michelle Alozie in frustration in the 87th minute of the match.
England progressed on penalties after a 0-0 draw and will face Colombia in the quarter-finals on Saturday. James was always going to miss that game and could have been banned for three matches if her foul was deemed violent conduct, meaning her World Cup was over.
But FIFA’s judgement means she would be free to play in the final, should England progress.
A statement read: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James following a violation of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code at the FIFA Women’s World Cup match England vs Nigeria.
“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that.”
Sarina Wiegman’s side face Colombia in Sydney on Saturday before a potential semi-final on Wednesday in the same venue. The final will be played on Sunday, August 20.
James has already apologised for her behaviour. The 21-year-old quote tweeted to an earlier post from Nigeria’s Alozie and added: “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.”
Alozie had issued a classy response to the incident on Tuesday morning, tweeting: “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.” -Mirror