A tense moment at the Women’s World Cup on Monday saw England and Chelsea player Lauren James stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie while she was on the ground.

James was sent off with a red card, and Nigeria later lost the match on penalties which knocked them out the competition.

Since then, according to the Pulse News website, some Nigerian fans of Chelsea football club have been begging their fellow Nigerians to go easy on James.

“Please forgive her, she’s only 21 years old, she’s just a talented young lady, saddled with a great responsibility,” says one, adding, “though I don’t support her mistake, as a Chelsea follower I plead on her behalf.”