LAUREN JAMES has apologised to Michelle Alozie after being red carded for stamping on the Nigeria star.
The England forward has also pledged to learn from her experience after the Lionesses squeezed through to the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.
James, 21, has been in red-hot form for Sarina Wiegman’s side – scoring the winner against Denmark and two in the victory over China during the group stage.
She produced a moment of madness yesterday, however, earning a red card for her 87th minute stamp on Alozie.
The score remained 0-0 for the rest of the match, with the Lionesses going through on penalties.
There appears to be no hard feelings between the two players, with Alozie tweeting: “abeg, rest.
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“we are playing on the world’s stage.
“this game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments.
“all respect for Lauren James.”
Chelsea star James has since quote-tweeted Alozie’s post, writing: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened.
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“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.”
After watching her side’s 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory, England boss Wiegman said of James: “It’s a huge lesson for her to learn.
“She would never want to hurt someone. She is the sweetest person I know. It was late in the game so players get a little tired.
“She is inexperienced on this stage and in a split-second lost her emotions. It isn’t something she did on purpose. She apologised and felt really bad.”
In an official statement, the Lionesses wrote: “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 though-out 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.”
ITV presenter Laura Woods tweeted in support of James, writing: “We’re only through because of her! Please don’t start this narrative.
“Yes, silly foul. But there’s a reason everyone’s been talking about her. Huge talent, first World Cup, enormous pressure. She’s human.”
The Lionesses will be without James for their quarter-final against Colombia on Saturday.
And fears have been raised that she could even miss the rest of the tournament, with Fifa possessing the power to increase her ban to three games, should a disciplinary panel see fit to do so.
Fans on social media have been supportive of James following her social media post.
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One replied: “It happens, you learn from the mistakes.”
While a second wrote: “Still the best.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
