Former England international Fara Williams insists Estelle Cascarino made a “schoolgirl error” after an earring stopped her from making her West Ham debut.
Estelle Cascarino denied her West Ham debut because of earring
New West Ham head coach Rita Guarino attempted to bring on Cascarino at the start of the second half, during their 5-0 defeat to Chelsea.
However, Cascarino was denied permission to enter the pitch because she was wearing an earring that was covered by tape but could not be taken out.
Cascarino, who joined from Juventus on loan last week, was allowed to play without tape covering her inner-ear piercing during her time in Italy.
However, the FA states that “all items of jewellery are forbidden and must be removed”, and Cascarino was unable to make her West Ham debut.
Since Cascarino needs a doctor to take the earring out, she had to return to the bench.
The laws of the game state: “All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.
“The players must be inspected before the start of the match and substitutes before they enter the field of play.”
What did Fara Williams say about Cascarino?
Speaking on the Women’s Football Show, Fara Williams said Cascarino had made a “schoolgirl error”.
She said: “I know you used to be able to have earrings taped. But the modern game doesn’t allow for it.
Former Wales defender Nia Jones also described the situation as an “absolute circus” for West Ham.
“She’s an experienced player, a French international formerly of Juventus and PSG,” Jones said.
“I was glad to see she didn’t get to come on at all because I thought that was a bit embarrassing.”
It was a bizarre situation for Cascarino in what would have been her debut after joining from Juventus.
During her time at Juventus, she made 49 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons, helping them win the league title and Coppa Italia trophy last season, as well as the 2023-24 Supercoppa Italiana.
It will be a return to the Barclays Women’s Super League for the 28-year-old following a loan spell at Manchester United in 2023. She has also played for Lyon, Paris FC, Bordeaux, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Her parent club, Juventus, meanwhile, are looking to sign Fran Kirby from Brighton, though the Seagulls have no intentions of losing the former England international.
