Former England midfielder Fara Williams says West Ham defender Estelle Cascarino made a “schoolgirl error” after being unable to make her debut because she was wearing an earring.
Cascarino was set to come on at half-time during West Ham’s Women’s Super League defeat by Chelsea, but officials stopped her because FA rules ban all jewellery, even if it is covered with tape.
Williams said the mistake was disappointing for a new signing eager to impress, adding that the modern game no longer allows taped earrings.
West Ham boss Rita Guarino said Cascarino could not remove the earring without medical help and was surprised, as the player had previously been allowed to play with tape while at Juventus.
Former Wales defender Nia Jones described the situation as an “absolute circus” for West Ham, who went on to lose the match 5-0.
