Republic of Ireland international Ruesha Littlejohn has been handed a five-match ban for violent conduct following an incident in Crystal Palace's Women's League Cup win over Leicester City on 23 November. The 35-year-old midfielder was shown a straight red card for grabbing Leicester's Hannah Cain in a headlock and wrestling her to the ground, sparking a melee at Meadow Lane.
The Football Association argued that the standard three-match suspension for violent conduct was insufficient, prompting a hearing before an independent regulatory commission. The commission upheld the FA's claim, imposing an extended five-match ban.
Littlejohn, who plays for Crystal Palace, admitted her actions were out of character. 'I regret letting my emotions spill over on the pitch,' she told RTÉ Sport. 'I'm probably quite an emotional person and player. I'm gutted that that spilled into the game. That's not who I want to be on the pitch.'
The midfielder also confirmed she had not contacted Cain since the match but acknowledged her reaction was excessive. The ban will see Littlejohn miss five domestic fixtures for Palace.
