Sport
Lionesses issue statement regarding Lauren James’ red card after stamping on Nigeria keeper
The length of her punishment has now been decided.
The Lionesses have issued a statement responding to Lauren James’ red card this past Monday after she stamped on Nigeria player, Michelle Alozie.
James had been one of the England women’s team‘s best players all tournament, registering three goals and three assists in as many games during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but suffered a rare moment of madness when she decided to stamp on her opponent while on the ground.
Sarina Wiegman’s side went on to win the game 4-2 on penalties but very nearly could have been knocked out after being reduced to 10 players, with many comparing the ‘unacceptable’ and ‘foolish’ act to David Beckham’s back in 1998.
While little had come out from the England camp following the incident, the team has now issued a full statement, expressing Lauren‘s regret and assuring that they would accept whatever punishment FIFA ultimately hands down.
“Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse. It is wholly out of character for her”, said the England women’s team.
“We will be supporting Lauren throughout and will be putting forward representation on her behalf. We fully respect FIFA‘s disciplinary process and will not be making any further comment until after any decision has been made.”
The England and Chelsea star, 21, was already been banned for the next game against Colombia in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 12 August at 11:30, but it has not been confirmed that she has been issued with a two-match ban, meaning she will miss the quarters and semi-final.
If handed a three-match ban, it would see her miss the rest of the World Cup and the Lionesses will be without one of their best players. As for James herself, she apologised directly to the Nigerian international, who gave an admirable measured and reasonable response considering the circumstances.
Read more:
The WSL forward assured that she is “sorry what happened” and promises to “learn from the experience”.
Whether or not England will make it all the way to the final for her make one last appearance in this tournament, especially following the Lionesses’ own condemnation of the behaviour, remains to be seen.
All they can do is put it behind them and know that the country is well and truly behind them. Either way, we believe — it’s coming home.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Image — Lionesses/Lauren James/BBC Sports (via Twitter)
Sport
A League Of Their Own LIVE is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The inaugural live tour version of A League Of Their Own Live Tour is heading out across the UK, with a big Manchester show booked on the list of dates.
For fans of the hit sports-based TV show on Sky, this will be the first time ever that the A League Of Their Own (ALOTO) cast will be presenting, performing and cracking plenty of jokes in front of a proper live audience.
There’s no stopping and resetting to get the shot with this production: just them and the crowds up and down the country – we know you won’t let the side down, Manchester.
Booking one of the city’s biggest and most storied live entertainment spaces, we have every faith they’ll make it a night to remember.
As you can see, already confirmed to be taking part in the live adaptation of the panel show are regular co-hosts Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott, as well as some of the big names.
In addition to famous former sports personalities like Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and ex-boxer Tony Bellew, they will also be joined by comedians Tom Davies and Maisie Adam.
Massive football fans themselves, who have both been part of the ALOTO cast in the past, it’s a funny lineup, for sure.
While the main presenter, Romesh Ranganathan, has not been confirmed as part of the touring crew, it’s worth noting that the lineup could change closer to the time. We wouldn’t be surprised if they have some special guests up their sleeves for one or two of the shows, either…
Please let us see ‘Wazza’ roped in to recreate this moment:
Speaking of the dates, you can see all the shows – including the Manchester this coming autumn – currently announced down below:
A League Of Their Own Live Tour dates – 2026
- Friday, 4 September – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
- Saturday, 5 September – AO Arena, Manchester
- Tuesday, 8 September – OVO Arena Wembley, London
- Friday, 11 September – Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Monday, 14 September – bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
- Thursday, 17 September – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
As detailed above, early access can be enjoyed either for Three Mobile members or via the venue’s official presale window, which opens at 10am this Thursday, 30 April.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live at the same time the following Friday (1 May); you can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
Should be a laugh – see you there?
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena)
Sport
John Stones is leaving Manchester City after a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed he will be leaving after nearly a full decade in sky blue at the end of the season.
The England and Man City defender has lifted pretty much everything there is to win at club level, being part of the ‘Centurions’, Treble-winning and four-in-a-row sides.
John Stones signed for City back in August of 2016 and has gone on to be part of their greatest-ever period of success under Pep Guardiola, not to mention becoming a mainstay in the national team during that time.
Sharing a moving video on social media, announced the decision that will see him depart after the best part of 10 years this summer.
Having made nearly 300 appearances for the Cityzens, he will leave the Etihad as one of their most decorated players, with a tally of 19 major trophies, the same number of goals and nine assists during his time with the club.
That being said, depending on how the remainder of this 2025/26 campaign goes, all of those stats could improve even further.
Writing in an official statement of their own, Man City went on to say: “Armed with wonderful technique, a sublime passing range allied to a superb work rate and astute reading of the game, Stones was in many ways the very embodiment of Pep Guardiola’s City.
“Such was his natural talent and tactical flexibility that Stones’ City career later saw him often deployed in a hybrid role, which saw him move into the middle of the City engine room to great effect, not least in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final…”
He is now set to leave as a free agent this June.
They sign off by adding that “the Club and all of our supporters will take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a superb servant of Manchester City Football Club at the end of the season.”
Following rumours of his departure in recent weeks and months, a number of clubs across Europe are already thought to have expressed interest in a transfer for the 31-year-old.
Some of the names floating around the Yorkshire-born centre-back’s signature include AC Milan and Bayern Munich; there have even been some hints at Everton attempting to re-sign him.
Where does he rank among your favourite City stars of all-time, Blues?
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Premier League/Man City (screenshot via IG)/Brad Tutterow (via Flickr)
Danny Jones -
8th August 2023 
