Ruesha Littlejohn was sent off against Leicester City over the weekend and the FA is requesting a more severe punishment than just the red card that she received.
The Crystal Palace star went viral on social media for her ‘WWE-style takedown’.
FA taking action on Ruesha Littlejohn
The scuffle between Ruesha Littlejohn and Hannah Cain wasn’t a good look for the Crystal Palace player.
Immediately after the challenge on Cain, Littlejohn was shown a straight red card by the referee. Although she was sent off, extra punishment was almost a guarantee for the type of challenge by the Palace star.
Therefore it comes as no surprise that the FA have decided to take more action on the 35-year-old.
The FA released a statement after the challenge, saying: “A claim of clearly insufficient punishment has been submitted against Crystal Palace FC Women’s Ruesha Littlejohn.
“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.”
Crystal Palace midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn could be set for a lengthy ban for this altercation against Leicester City. 🟥
The FA said its standard three-match punishment for the sending off was “clearly insufficient”. pic.twitter.com/Lbllqhl9qk
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 25, 2025
Players who receive a straight red card are usually banned for three games following the dismissal.
However, if the offence is deemed to be “truly exceptional” then the governing bodies can request a more severe ruling.
The FA were clearly happy to take that option and it now seems to be only a matter of time before Littlejohn is suspended for a more lengthy ban.
What next for Ruesha Littlejohn?
It is almost certain that Ruesha Littlejohn will be on the sideline for more than three games now.
The veteran will miss out on games against Birmingham City, Lewes and most importantly a League Cup quarter-final against Arsenal following the international break.
If the FA’s claim is successful then the Palace midfielder will likely miss at least five games, depending on how severe they deem the takedown to have been.
It seems unlikely that Littlejohn will appeal the FA’s decision whatever the outcome and the Republic of Ireland international will be keen to put the drama behind her as soon as possible.
