Littlejohn abuse after Cain incident ‘disgusting’

Ruesha Littlejohn’s abuse, according to Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward, has been “disgusting” and “disgraceful.”

Following an altercation with Hannah Cain in the second half of Crystal Palace’s League Cup win over Leicester City on Sunday, Littlejohn was sent off.

Cain appeared to be grabbed by the 35-year-old’s neck, and the players then fell to the ground.

The Football Association claimed that the current three-game ban for violent behavior was “clearly insufficient” and that it can seek additional punishment if a case is “truly exceptional.”

Ward addressed the Republic of Ireland’s behind-closed-doors friendly with Hungary in Spain on Saturday, calling it “a disgrace” for the “outpouring of abuse” directed at Littlejohn on social media.

Ward, who previously led Littlejohn for Aston Villa and Birmingham City, said, “She is a human being.” She is a person’s sister and daughter. It’s not acceptable.

Ward claimed that the situation was getting worse and that she had no idea how to fix it.

She said, “I just hope my daughter disappears when she grows up.” It is a horrible place, in my opinion.

“Companies need to do better and organizations need to help,” according to the statement. Do you believe it will disappear? No, I don’t believe things will only get worse.

Ward made a passionate comment about losing two close friends in the game.

At the news conference, Littlejohn, who was speaking alongside Ward, remarked that she regrets their altercation with Wales international Cain.

The FA charged the midfielder with violent conduct, and the player will now be able to find out the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.

She said, “Obviously, I regret letting my emotions flow on the pitch.” I have a lot of emotion and skill.

That’s not who I want to be on the pitch, so I’ll take it away and move on.

“I’ve been working with my team, and I’m sure that’s been handled fairly and properly,” I said. The process won’t be harmed by me.

Littlejohn continued, “I’m glad I’m going on international duty after the game,” and that she’s done everything possible to stay away from the media and commentary.

She continued, “I’m surrounded by good people here.” It’s nice to be back in green with the girls, and they have gotten me through a difficult week.

I’ve received a lot of help. It’s been good that many of the people who were behind me have checked in with me because I have a large group of people behind me. That’s been nice, and I’ve just avoided social media.

Because it’s moving so quickly and thick, it can be difficult. We’ll be okay because I have a strong character, a strong personality, and a strong team around me.

Ward continued, “Someone who wears her heart on her sleeve,” and that Littlejohn was someone she had “admired” while they were working together.

She acknowledged that it was a regrettable situation, Ward said.

“This is not about defending the incident,” the statement continued. We’re discussing what follows, and what needs to be done to better protect players.