The FIFA Women’s World Cup has been rocked by an incredible brainfade from England star Lauren James in their Round of 16 clash against their former colony, Nigeria.
With the Lionesses poised as one of the tournament’s heavyweights, Nigeria’s physicality loomed as a mouth-watering encounter in the first knockout round of the tournament.
Having coming off a stunning 3-2 group stage victory against Australia, Nigeria held the Lionesses scoreless for a full 90 minutes, but the turning point of the match came in the 85th, when after falling over Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, playmaking star Lauren James got up and appeared to deliberately stamp on Alozie’s back.
Given the obviously dangerous nature of the act, James was promptly shown a straight red card, which will see her suspended for at least one match.
FIFA retain the ability to suspend players for longer periods, which could see James miss a potential semi-final matchup against Australia, should the two nations win their next two fixtures.
It is a three-match penalty if James is found guilty of violent conduct, which would significantly hamstring the Lionesses – James has been the standout for England this tournament, and would be a contender for player of the tournament.
Social media blew up at the act, which left fans and pundits alike stunned.
“That‘s so dumb from Lauren James,” said ESPN’s Marissa Lordanic.
ESPN’s Valerio Veo was amazed.
“WHAT. THE. HELL. THIS WORLD CUP,” Veo said on Twitter.
“Lauren James sent off for violent conduct,” ESPN’s Adam Santarossa.
“England’s journey just got a lot tougher …”
Sportswriter Brendan Bradford recalled, as did many an England fan on social media, similar incidents involving David Beckham and Wayne Rooney at previous World Cups.
“Beckham kicking Diego Simeone areas,” Bradford wrote.
Sportswriter Flo Lloyd-Hughes similarly recalled Beckham and Rooney’s indiscretions.
“Really silly stuff from Lauren James,” Lloyd-Hughes wrote.
“We saw it from Beckham in 98, Rooney in 06. The most mercurial players, at their youngest and with the most pressure lost in the moment.”
“Lauren James has been great so far this tournament but that moment of madness could cost the entire team,” said freelancer Alex McMahon.
Broadcaster Georgie Heath was livid.
“LAUREN JAMES YOU COULD HAVE BEEN AN ENGLISH HERO AND YOU DO THAT?”, Heath wrote.
The Lionesses were kept to 0-0 in regulation time, with the Nigerians failing to capitalise on having one more player for the remainder of the match, as the clash went to extra time.