By Victor Kanayo
A day after stamping on Nigeria’s Super Falcons winger Michelle Alozie, England player Lauren James, has tendered an apology.
In the process, Lauren said she has learnt from her World Cup red card.
Speaking via her social media account, Lauren said, “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.”
On their part, the English Football Association said in an official statement: “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 on her behalf. We fully respect FIFA’s disciplinary process.”
Lauren has scored three goals and bagged three assists in just three starts in the Women’s World Cup but she will miss their quarter-final clash against Colombia due to suspension.
Players shown red cards at the World Cup are automatically banned for one match, but more games can be imposed on review.
Lauren, a Chelsea star, was sent off in the 87th minute of England’s last-16 match against Nigeria on Monday, which the Lionesses eventually won on penalties, for stamping on forward Alozie.
The 21-year-old is facing an anxious wait over whether or not she will play again this World Cup due to her red card, with FIFA yet to deliver a decision.
Afterwards, Alozie tweeted “all respect to Lauren despite her moment of madness”.
