Kayla Fischer’s Suspension
Kayla Fischer, the forward for Racing Louisville FC, has been handed a three-match suspension following an incident involving hair-pulling that led to her receiving a red card during a recent match. This decision was backed by sources who communicated with ESPN. The NWSL’s Disciplinary Committee conducts a thorough review of significant in-game misconduct, and this incident did not escape their scrutiny, resulting in additional disciplinary measures for Fischer.
Incident Details
Fischer’s controversial dismissal occurred in the 67th minute of the game against Angel City FC, where Louisville managed to secure a 3-2 victory. A thorough video review revealed that Fischer had grabbed the hair of Angel City midfielder Madison Hammond and pulled her to the ground during a corner kick. Following this incident, Angel City was awarded a penalty which forward Alyssa Thompson successfully converted, narrowing Racing’s lead.
Disciplinary Actions
According to league rules, receiving a red card results in an immediate suspension for the next match, and given Fischer’s actions, an additional two games were added to her penalty. Consequently, she will not be eligible to compete in any regular-season games until August 1. Racing Louisville has three matches left before the NWSL takes a summer break.
Apology and Future Intentions
In light of her actions, Fischer issued an apology, expressing remorse to Hammond and the entire Angel City team. She acknowledged her conduct during the match and emphasized that it was not her intention to be overly aggressive. Fischer is determined to learn from this experience and assured that she respects both her opponents and the sport.
Performance Overview
Currently, Fischer has been a consistent player for Racing Louisville, participating in all 10 matches this season and contributing two goals and two assists. Particularly notable is her assist on Savannah DeMelo’s game-winning goal in the same match from which she was ejected.
League History
This isn’t the first time the league has seen a three-game suspension for hair-pulling; similar penalties were given to players Tyler Lussi and Merritt Mathias in 2017 for related infractions. It’s worth noting that those incidents occurred before the implementation of video review by the NWSL in 2023.
Context of Fischer’s Suspension
Fischer’s suspension follows a significant disciplinary action involving another Louisville player, midfielder Ary Borges, who received a total ban of four games due to her encounter with a referee after a match against the Portland Thorns on April 27. Borges will be eligible to return when Louisville faces the Utah Royals FC on June 6.
