Carla Ward Condemns Disturbing Abuse Directed at Ruesha Littlejohn Following Palace Red Card
Carla Ward has publicly condemned the online abuse directed at Ruesha Littlejohn. This follows Littlejohn’s recent red card during a match, which has sparked significant backlash.
Background on the Incident
Ruesha Littlejohn, a 35-year-old midfielder, received a controversial red card in a League Cup match against Leicester. During the game, she was penalized for wrestling Leicester player Hannah Cain to the ground.
Reactions from Carla Ward
Despite the incident, coach Carla Ward declared her intent to include Littlejohn in the upcoming friendly against Hungary. Ward emphasized her support for Littlejohn amid the disturbing abuse she has faced online.
Online Abuse Concerns
The response to Littlejohn’s dismissal has highlighted a troubling issue: the prevalence of online abuse in sports. Many athletes, particularly women, face negative comments and harassment following various events on the field.
- Ruesha Littlejohn: Age 35
- Incident: Controversial red card in League Cup
- Opponent: Leicester City
- Date of incident: Five days prior to Ward’s statement
Ward’s remarks reflect a growing recognition of the need to combat such abuse, underscoring the importance of safeguarding athletes’ mental health in competitive sports.