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‘Unnecessary nonsense!’ Littlejohn’s challenge on opponent sparks controversy
Crystal Palace midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn faces the possibility of an extended suspension after the Football Association deemed the standard punishment for her sending off – following an incident with Leicester City’s Hannah Cain – as “clearly insufficient”.
During Palace’s 3-0 League Cup victory on Sunday, Littlejohn, 35, appeared to take hold of her opponent around the neck area before bringing her to the ground.
While the standard sanction for a red card issued for violent conduct is a three-match ban, the FA retains the option to pursue a longer punishment if it considers the offence to be “truly exceptional”.
The matter will now be reviewed by a regulatory commission.
In a statement, the FA announced: “A claim of clearly insufficient punishment has been submitted in relation to Crystal Palace FC Women’s Ruesha Littlejohn.
“The player was dismissed around the 58th minute for violent conduct, and while the standard punishment is a three-match ban, it is claimed that this penalty is clearly insufficient.”
If the claim is upheld, the commission will determine a revised punishment. However, should it be dismissed, Littlejohn will serve the standard three-match suspension.
Littlejohn, a Republic of Ireland international who joined Palace in September, has until Thursday to respond.
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