England’s Lauren James has been suspended for two games by FIFA after stepping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie during a Women’s World Cup match on Monday.
James, who was shown a red card in the 87th minute of England’s Round of 16 win, will miss Saturday’s quarterfinal against Colombia.
Should England defeat Colombia, the 21-year-old James will also miss the semifinal against either Australia or France.
James will be available to play in either the final or the third-place playoff depending on how England fares in the next two matches.
The two-match ban is on the lower end of punishment for serious foul play and could’ve been raised to three matches, which would’ve ended James’ run in the tournament.
James apologized for her actions on Tuesday.
“All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened,” she tweeted Tuesday.
“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.”
Alozie also reacted to the incident on Twitter.
“Abeg, rest,” Alozie said Tuesday. “We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.”
The English Football Association backed up James in a statement on Tuesday, saying she was “really sorry” and is “full of remorse.”
“We will be supporting Lauren throughout and will be putting forward representation on her behalf,” the statement read, according to ESPN.
“We fully respect FIFA’s disciplinary process and will not be making any further comment until after any decision has been made.”
Before the red card, James had gotten off to a hot World Cup start.
James made her World Cup debut against Denmark on July 28 and scored the game-winning goal.
She also impressed against China on Aug. 1, with two goals and three assists in the 6-1 England victory.
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