Ruesha Littlejohn Faces Potential Extended Ban After Violent Conduct Incident
Crystal Palace midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn may be facing a significant suspension after the Football Association announced that the standard punishment for her recent red card was “clearly insufficient”.
Littlejohn, 35, was sent off during Palace’s 3–0 League Cup win over Leicester City after an altercation with former team-mate Hannah Cain. The incident occurred just before the hour mark when Littlejohn appeared to grab Cain around the neck and wrestle her to the ground.
Under FA rules, violent conduct typically carries a three-match ban. However, if an offence is considered “truly exceptional”, the FA can request an increased sanction — which is precisely what has happened in this case. An independent regulatory commission will now review the incident.
In a statement, the FA confirmed:
“A claim of clearly insufficient punishment has been submitted against Crystal Palace FC Women’s Ruesha Littlejohn. The standard punishment is a three-match ban, but it's claimed that this penalty is clearly insufficient.”
If the claim is upheld, Littlejohn will face a longer suspension. If rejected, she will serve the usual three games. She has until Thursday to respond.
What Led to the Red Card?
The clash between the two players appeared to escalate quickly. Moments before the takedown, Cain pushed Littlejohn in the back. As the pair came together again, Littlejohn grabbed her opponent’s neck, pulled her into a headlock, and rolled her to the turf. Referee Alice Parker immediately showed a red card.
Both players share a history; they joined Leicester City in 2020 ahead of their first WSL campaign. Littlejohn made six appearances before leaving in early 2021. She returned to English football this season, signing for Palace from Shamrock Rovers in September and bringing with her 93 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Cain Breaks Silence on Online Abuse
Following the incident, Hannah Cain took to social media to address the wave of online abuse she has been receiving, unrelated to the altercation itself, but part of a wider pattern she says has been ongoing for weeks.
She wrote:
“We talk a lot about mental health and being kind. There is no room in life for any abuse… You never know what a person is going through. Enough is enough.”
Cain emphasised that players are “humans first”, thanked supporters who travel home and away, and urged those sending abuse to reconsider their behaviour.
Context: Past Comments From Littlejohn
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of Littlejohn's previous controversial remarks. Earlier this year, she criticised former team-mate Hannah Hampton, describing her as “difficult” and “disruptive”, while also praising her talent.
Littlejohn said:
“Was Hannah a pain in the a**? One hundred per cent… She’s one of the best goalkeepers in women’s and arguably men’s football with her distribution.”*
Those comments resurfaced online in the days following the red-card incident, prompting renewed conversation about dressing-room dynamics, player relationships, and online toxicity within the women’s game.
Some have said it’s hypocritical to complain about Hampton, then act the way she did in the match. As a mature, experienced player, she should be held to a higher standard, as she should have known better.
What Happens Next?
The FA’s regulatory commission will review the footage, assess whether the standard ban is inadequate, and deliver a verdict. Crystal Palace, already pushing for promotion, could now face several weeks without one of their most experienced players — depending on the outcome.
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