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LONDON. — England forward Lauren James has been given a two-match ban by FIFA for her red card in the Women’s World Cup game with Nigeria.
James, 21, was sent off for stamping on the back of Michelle Alozie in the last 16-tie, which England won on penalties.
The dismissal came with an automatic one-game ban which FIFA has increased, meaning she will miss the semi-final if England get there. The Lionesses face Colombia in the quarter-finals tomorrow.
James is England’s top scorer in the tournament, having scored three goals, as well as assisting three more, in the group stages.
The Chelsea forward apologised to Alozie on social media after the incident and promised to learn from her mistake.
After the game, England boss Sarina Wiegman said: “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.
“She would never want to hurt someone. She is the sweetest person I know.”
If the Lionesses are knocked out of the World Cup on Saturday, James’ ban will carry over to England’s next international fixture. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter