England striker Lauren James has been banned for two games after her red card for stamping on Super Falcon’s Michelle Alozie in England’s win over Nigeria.
James was sent off for stamping on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie during the Lionesses’ last-16 tie.
The 21-year-old, who has been England’s player of the tournament, was initially shown a yellow card by the referee, but VAR called for a review and the yellow card was upgraded to a red card.
After receiving a red card, James is automatically suspended for England’s next match, but after her punishment was reviewed by a Fifa disciplinary panel, it was extended by two matches.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that James’ actions were deemed as ‘serious foul play’, rather than violent conduct, which results in a two-game ban.
The decision means James, who has scored three goals in four games, would be eligible to play in the final or third/ fourth place play-off if England reaches that stage of the tournament.
An official FIFA 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.’
James issued an apology via the FA for her actions, which resulted in her sending off in the 87th minute of England’s win over Nigeria.
‘Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse,’ the FA said. ‘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 and will not be making any further comment until after any decision has been made.’
