Estelle Cascarino warming up for West Ham before being denied debut due to earring
Former England midfielder Fara Williams has described West Ham defender Estelle Cascarino’s earring mishap as a “schoolgirl error” after the French international was prevented from making her debut due to FA jewellery rules.
West Ham boss Rita Guarino tried to bring on Cascarino at the start of the second half during her first game in charge, with the team trailing Chelsea 4-0 in the Women’s Super League. However, Cascarino was denied permission to play because she was wearing an earring that could not be removed, even though it was covered with tape.
The Football Association regulations are strict:
“All items of jewellery are forbidden and must be removed,” with no exceptions for tape or coverings.
Williams, speaking on The Women’s Football Show, commented:
“I know you used to be able to have earrings taped. But the modern game doesn’t allow for it. It’s a schoolgirl error for me, a new signing wanting to make an impression, and that’s not the impression you’d want.”
Cascarino had previously played in the Champions League for Juventus using tape to cover her inner-ear piercing, making the FA restriction unfamiliar to the 28-year-old. Guarino explained:
“She can’t take off this earring; it’s like a tattoo. She needs a doctor to take it off and she had tape. She played in the Champions League with tape, so I can’t understand how we missed using a player in a game for this.”
Former Wales defender Nia Jones called the incident an “absolute circus”, emphasizing the embarrassment caused for West Ham:
“She’s an experienced player, a French international formerly of Juventus and PSG. I was glad to see she didn’t get to come on at all because I thought that was a bit embarrassing.”
West Ham ultimately lost the match 5-0 to Chelsea, making Cascarino’s denied debut even more frustrating for both player and club.
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