England's Lauren James issued an apology on Tuesday after she was sent off for a stamp on Nigeria player Michelle Alozie during their Women's World Cup last-16 game.
James, England's top scorer at the tournament with three goals, received a red card for a bad-tempered stamp on Alozie's back in the 87th minute of Monday's game.
Lauren James steps on Michelle Alozie's back
Lauren James is seeing red and will be sent off
The Lionesses are now down to 10 players! pic.twitter.com/5xatvleQQj— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 7, 2023
England were reduced to 10 players for more than half an hour but went on to win in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0 following extra time.
"All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened," James said on messaging platform X.
"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."
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
The apology came as a response to Alozie's post where she said: "We are playing on the world's stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments.
"All respect for Lauren James."
still a red though https://t.co/iB0Ar2c08I
— michelle alozie (@alozieee) August 8, 2023
life. pic.twitter.com/3572ug62Ba
— michelle alozie (@alozieee) August 8, 2023
England will face Colombia in the quarterfinals on Saturday but James will miss that game through suspension. England now await a FIFA decision to see if the Chelsea player will receive an extended ban for the stamp.
"Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse. It is wholly out of character for her," England's Football Association said in a statement.
"We will be supporting Lauren throughout and will be putting forward representation on her behalf. We fully respect FIFA's disciplinary process and will not be making any further comment until after any decision has been made."
(Reporting by Trevor StynesEditing by Christian Radnedge)
