Lauren James was sent off for a stamp on Michelle Alozie (Picture: Getty Images)
Michelle Alozie may have been on the wrong end of Lauren James’ stamp during England’s win over Nigeria at the Women’s World Cup, but she had a classy message for her opponent nonetheless.
James had a moment of madness late in the last 16 game on Monday, treading on Alozie as she was on the ground and receiving a red card as a result.
The match finished goalless and England scraped into the quarter-finals on penalties but the rash decision from James, who had been a star of the tournament until that point, remained a talking point.
Alozie is certainly holding no grudges though, posting on Twitter the following day: ‘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 added in another tweet: ‘Still a red though.’
Alozie went on to miss her spot-kick in the shootout, but she was still in good humour on Tuesday, hilariously posting the picture of her being stamped on by James with the caption ‘life’.
Speaking after the match, the 26-year-old who also works in cancer research away from football, admitted that Nigeria were perfectly happy to see the dangerous England forward do something so silly in a huge game.
‘It was good for us,’ she said. ‘James is a really good player. And nullifying her was really big for us. 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.’
MORE : England survive huge Women’s World Cup scare to beat Nigeria on penalties
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‘All respect for Lauren James.’