England and Chelsea forward, Lauren James has apologised to Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie after receiving a red card for stamping on the defender in England’s last-16 victory at the Women’s World Cup and has promised to learn from her mistake.
The Chelsea attacker Lauren James was given her marching orders in the 87th minute of Monday’s match after a coming together with her opponent; both players fell to the floor but as James got up she stamped her foot down into Alozie’s back.
She initially received a yellow card but referee Melissa Borjas was sent to the pitch-side monitor by VAR and was forced to upgrade her decision to a red card.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, a resolute England rearguard managed to cling on through extra time and forced penalties, with Chloe Kelly striking an emphatic final spot-kick to secure a 4-2 win in the shootout.
Alozie reached out to James on social media on Tuesday morning, with the 21-year-old later replying: ‘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.’