Crystal Palace midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn could be hit with an extended ban after she was sent off for a “WWE-style takedown” on Leicester City’s Hannah Cain.
The Eagles were 3-0 up against the Women’s Super League side when the Republic of Ireland midfielder was dismissed.
Fans called for the footage to be posted on social media as the Women’s League Cup game was not shown live on Sunday.
That footage was shared on Monday night and fans were shocked by Littlejohn’s actions.
Why was Ruesha Littlejohn sent off?
Ruesha Littlejohn was sent off after getting involved in an altercation between both teams.
It all started when Leicester’s Olivia McLaughlin tried to win the ball from Crystal Palace goalscorer Annabel Blanchard.
The pair appeared to get tangled up and with Blanchard looking over McLaughlin, Hannah Cain stepped in to get in the middle and pushed the Crystal Palace player away.
That was when Littlejohn first stepped in, giving a shove to Cain, who responded with a push of her own to the back of the Palace midfielder.
Littlejohn reacted furiously, appearing to grab Cain around her head before wrestling her down to the floor with a takedown.
It was unclear whether Littlejohn tripped over McLaughlin as she wrestled Cain to the ground, but the referee had no choice but to show her a straight red card.
Crystal Palace were able to hold on to their 3-0 victory to book their spot in the League Cup quarter-finals. The draw for the League Cup is on Tuesday.
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Social media reacts to Ruesha Littlejohn’s red card
Fans on social media have criticised Littlejohn for her actions on Sunday afternoon, which led to her being sent off.
Multiple people compared it to a “WWE-style takedown” while another said Littlejohn did a “judo throw” on Cain.
Reddit user Brock Chocolate posted: “Foul is a bit of an understatement for a headlock slam to the ground.”
@Catleysprior tweeted on X: “Someone called her Ruesha Littlejohn Cena and I can’t stop laughing.”
One fan wrote: ‘The player already down could have been kicked in the head by Cain’s foot as she got dragged down, what an idiot for endangering multiple players.”
@SarahStano added: “Ruesha Littlejohn showcased her mixed martial arts abilities this weekend! Really poor to be honest.”
Some fans disagreed with recent comments by Littlejohn about Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, in response to Mary Earps’ autobiography.
Littlejohn praised Hampton’s goalkeeping ability but admitted the goalkeeper was “difficult” and that she could be a “pain in the a***”.
In reaction to the vido of Littlejohn’s takedown of Cain, @JohnRBurns22 wrote: “Is this the same Ruesha Littlejohn who was recently s*** talking about Hannah Hampton’s attitude?”
Could Littlejohn get an extended ban?
Littlejohn, who played for Leicester from 2020 to 2021, was sent off for violent conduct against the Foxes.
The Telegraph have reported that Littlejohn is facing an extended ban for her takedown on Cain.
Violent conduct offences usually result in a three-game ban. However, players can be given longer suspensions if their actions are deemed more severe.
Littlejohn, who has previously played for Arsenal, West Ham, Aston Villa and Birmingham City, only joined Crystal Palace this summer.
