ENGLAND are planning to appeal to FIFA in a bid to avoid further punishment for their forward Lauren James, who was sent off against the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the Women’s World Cup.
The Chelsea forward was dismissed for violent conduct after a video assistant referee (VAR) review showed her to have stamped on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie during yesterday’s round of 16 clash in Brisbane, Australia.
England went on to win the match on penalties but James, in addition to her automatic one-match suspension, could be banned for two more games due to FIFA’s disciplinary process, meaning her World Cup would be over.
“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,” the English FA said in a statement today.
“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.”
The English FA is now awaiting the length of James’ suspension from FIFA’s disciplinary committee, and an earlier precedent in the tournament was set when Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun was forced to serve a three-match ban after being sent off during her side’s first group stage match against Canada.
Meanwhile, James, who has scored three goals and made three assists at the World Cup, has vowed to ‘learn’ from her sending off.
James reacted on Twitter, responding to Alozie’s own post where she appeared to forgive the Chelsea player.
She wrote: “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.”
