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England star Lauren James has issued a public apology to Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie after stomping on her back and getting sent off in their FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 clash.
James was shown a red card in the 85th minute of England’s penalty shootout win after lashing out at her opponent following a tangle of bodies.
The 21-year-old is suspended for England’s quarterfinal against Colombia and could be sanctioned further if FIFA’s disciplinary review committee deems James’s action to have met the threshold for violent conduct.
Matt Roberts/Getty Images
England midfielder Lauren James was sent off for stepping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.
“All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened,” James said in a social media post to Alozie.
“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.”
James’s apology was in response to an earlier post from Alozie in which she defended the England player.
“We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James,” Alozie said.
“Still a red though,” Alozie later added.
Despite finishing the game with 10 women, England survived James’s red card to beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties and qualify for the quarterfinals.
After the shootout, England coach Sarina Wiegman said James “felt really bad” for what she did.
“She is inexperienced on this stage and in a split-second lost her emotions. It isn’t something she did on purpose,” Wiegman said.
James is England’s top scorer with three goals and three assists.
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