‘Cruel’ fourth official makes England star Lauren James turn around and look at red card in World Cup win over Nigeria
LAUREN JAMES had “extra salt” rubbed in her wound after she was sent off for England in their Women’s World Cup victory over Nigeria.
The star, 21, was given her marching in the 87th-minute of the last-16 showdown for shockingly STAMPING on an opponent’s back.
The attacker – the sister of Chelsea and England ace Reece James – angrily stood on Michelle Alozie following a collision between the pair.
The referee, however, didn’t initially spot the incident but after being informed of the violent conduct by VAR and viewing the incident herself, she didn’t hesitate to send James for an early shower.
James appeared to already know her fate as it went to a VAR check and had already started making her way towards the tunnel.
However, the fourth official stopped her in her tracks to make her turn around and face the ref so that she could be shown the red card.
One fan reacted to the footage by tweeting: “Fourth official making sure she sees the red.”
Another said that it was a “bit of extra salt in the wound” while another claimed that it was “cruel”.
Fortunately for James her team-mates were able to get her out of jail as they bravely hung on despite the numerical disadvantage to beat Nigeria on penalties following the goalless draw.
Chloe Kelly scored the crucial kick to seal a 4-2 shootout triumph and earn a spot in the quarters.
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Lionesses fans couldn’t believe their eyes and flocked to Twitter to express their dismay.
And some even likened the incident to Wayne Rooney‘s infamous red card against Portugal at the 2006 World Cup for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho.
Meanwhile, former England striker Gary Lineker likened James’ dismissal to David Beckham‘s moment of madness against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.
He tweeted: “The @Lionesses down to 10 as Lauren James has a Beckhamesque moment of madness.”
But now England can look ahead to a quarter-final showdown – although James will be sweating on whether she will see any more action at the tournament as she prepares for her suspension.
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