Super Falcons of Nigeria defender, Michelle Alozie has backed Lauren James to come good after her ‘wild stamp’ on her while also demanding that the England star be treated with utmost respect.
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The England star was given a red card yesterday after she intentionally stamped the Nigeria international in the round -16 game of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup game which Nigeria lost through penalties.
Since the incident, there has been a lot of vile abuse and name callings directed at Lauren, prompting her to deactivate comments on her social media handles as she was also subject to racist abuse.
In her defense, the Nigeria defender has now publicly called for calm on the situation, admitting that passion for the game is insurmountable.
Alozie tweeted she understood why James acted as she did in the pressure environment of a World Cup knockout game.
“Abeg, rest. We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James,” she wrote.
Alozie, 26, also posted a picture of James standing on her back and captioned it ‘life.’
Speaking after England won the penalty shoot-out 4-2, having clung on through extra time with 10 players, Alozie said there were no hard feelings.
“It was good for us. James is a really good player and nullifying her was really big for us,” she said.
“We didn’t want her to move freely and get those shots off that she usually does. It was good for us to have her taken out of the game.”
“I was a little bit surprised by her reaction to the tackle. I don’t think it was really needed.”
“I’m fine, my butt is fine from her stepping on it! I was kind of confused initially. I didn’t understand what was going on at first. There’s no hard feelings, it’s just a game.”
England will play either Colombia or Jamaica in the quarter-finals and James will be suspended for that match at least as FIFA’s disciplinary committee meet to decide whether to extend the ban to three matches.
