Crystal Palace midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn has been handed an extended five-match suspension following an incident of violent conduct during the League Cup, in which she grabbed Leicester City’s Hannah Cain by the neck and threw her to the ground. The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international’s actions during the match on 23 November 2025 have sparked widespread discussion across women’s football.

Details of the Incident

The clash occurred after Cain pushed Littlejohn, prompting the veteran midfielder to react aggressively. Littlejohn wrapped her arm around Cain’s neck and forced her head into the pitch, requiring on-field medical treatment. Despite the impact, Cain was able to finish the match.

Littlejohn was immediately shown a straight red card, which ordinarily carries a three-match ban for violent conduct. However, the Football Association (FA) deemed the standard punishment “clearly insufficient” and successfully pushed for an extended suspension. Following a regulatory commission hearing, Littlejohn has now been sidelined for five matches.

Matches Missed

The suspension means Littlejohn will miss key upcoming fixtures for Crystal Palace Women’s Super League 2 side, including:

• League Cup quarter-final vs European champions Arsenal (19 December)
• FA Cup second-round tie vs Lewes
• Three WSL2 matches against Birmingham, Bristol City, and Sheffield United

This ban will keep Littlejohn out of action until after the winter break, disrupting her first season with Palace since joining in the summer.

Player Response

Littlejohn has publicly expressed regret over the incident:
“Obviously I regret letting my emotions spill over on the pitch. I’m quite an emotional person and player. That’s not who I want to be on the pitch, so I will learn from it and move forward.”

Her statements came during a media conference with the Republic of Ireland national team, where she also received support from manager Carla Ward, who condemned the online abuse directed at Littlejohn.

Ward, who previously managed Littlejohn at Aston Villa and Birmingham City, said:
“She is a human being. She’s someone’s daughter and sister. Some of the abuse this week has been disgusting. Ruesha has acknowledged it was a moment she deeply regrets. We need to do more to protect players.”

Reaction from Leicester

Leicester City manager Rick Passmoor confirmed that Cain was shaken by the incident but is ready for Sunday’s Women’s Super League match against Manchester City.
“She was upset and shaken up, but today was her first day back after internationals, and she is in good spirits,” Passmoor stated.

Implications for Women’s Football

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing player conduct and the importance of protecting athletes from abuse. The FA’s decision to extend Littlejohn’s ban underscores the governing body’s commitment to maintaining discipline and ensuring player safety in competitive women’s football.