Ruesha Littlejohn of Crystal Palace, at risk of suspension for WWE-style key

Crystal Palace midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn could face a considerable suspension after being sent off for an incident in the League Cup match against Leicester City. The Irish player was shown a straight red card for holding Hannah Cain of Leicester City and bringing her to the ground during the match. Littlejohn’s action came after an altercation between both soccer players during the match that Palace won 3-0. Littlejohn, who arrived at the Palace in September, slightly pushed Cain, to which the Leicester player responded by pushing her in the back. Immediately afterwards, Littlejohn grabbed Cain by the neck and knocked her down.

Although it’s not clear if they collided with another player when falling, their actions warranted a straight red card.

Both footballers had played together at Leicester City in the summer of 2020, before the club’s first season in the Women’s Super League. Littlejohn played six games and left the club in January 2021 after half a season. Now, Littlejohn faces a suspension for violent conduct. Although this type of infraction usually carries a three-game suspension, the penalty could be extended if the incident is considered especially serious. The Palace advanced to the quarter-finals of the League Cup and will find out their opponent on Tuesday night.