Nigeria’s defender #22 Michelle Alozie (lower) reacts after being fouled by England’s forward #07 Lauren James during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup round of 16 football match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane on August 7, 2023. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)
England forward Lauren James apologized on Tuesday for the stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie that earned her a red card in the Women’s World Cup last 16.
The 21-year-old Chelsea attacker was sent off in the 87th minute of Monday’s match in Brisbane, which European champions England went on to win on penalties.
“All my love and respect to you,” James tweeted to Alozie, who had written on social media that she had “all respect for Lauren James.”
Referee Melissa Borjas gives England’s forward #07 Lauren James a yellow card during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup round of 16 football match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane on August 7, 2023. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)
“I am sorry for what happened,” added James, who will be suspended for at least England’s quarter-final against Colombia, but could be banned by FIFA for longer.
“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.”
Separately, the Lionesses released a statement of their own saying: “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.
“We will be supporting Lauren throughout and will be putting forward representation (to FIFA) on her behalf.”