Crystal Palace midfielder faces extended ban following violent conduct
A women’s footballer is now facing an extended ban after she threw her rival to the ground by the neck, reports BritPanorama.
Crystal Palace midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn was dismissed during the 58th minute of Sunday’s League Cup fixture against Leicester City. The Football Association has now initiated proceedings to increase the punishment for the 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international beyond the typical three-match suspension for violent conduct.
The incident occurred when Littlejohn seized Hannah Cain around the neck and wrestled her to the ground, following a push from Cain that appeared to trigger the confrontation. Referee Alice Parker showed an immediate red card for the offense.
The FA has submitted a claim stating the standard penalty is “clearly insufficient” for this particular incident. Violent conduct typically carries an automatic three-match suspension in English football, but the FA can pursue extended bans for incidents deemed “truly exceptional” or “extremely exceptional,” with cases referred to a regulatory commission for review.
Littlejohn brings significant experience to Palace, having earned 93 caps for the Republic of Ireland and possessing extensive top-flight football experience. The veteran midfielder joined the Championship side from Shamrock Rovers in September. Should the regulatory commission uphold the FA’s claim, it will impose a more severe punishment.
If rejected, Littlejohn will serve the standard three-match suspension. The two players share a previous connection, having both represented Leicester City during the 2020-21 season when the club entered the Women’s Super League for the first time. Littlejohn featured in six matches before departing in January 2021. Palace secured a 3-0 victory in Sunday’s League Cup encounter, though questions remain about whether Littlejohn stumbled over a teammate while bringing Cain down.
The midfielder must submit her response to the FA’s claim by Thursday. The FA’s full statement read: “A Claim of Clearly Insufficient Punishment has been submitted against Crystal Palace FC Women’s Ruesha Littlejohn following their Women’s League Cup fixture against Leicester City FC Women. The player was sent off around the 58th minute for violent conduct, and the standard punishment is a three-match ban, but it’s claimed that this penalty is clearly insufficient. Ruesha Littlejohn has until Thursday 27 November to provide a response.”
In a game where skill often overshadows aggression, this incident serves as a stark reminder of how intense rivalries can sometimes cross the line, leaving players and fans alike to ponder the balance between competitive spirit and sportsmanship.
