Former England midfielder Fara Williams has criticised West Ham defender Estelle Cascarino for committing what she described as a “schoolgirl error” after the French international was prevented from making her debut because of an earring.
Cascarino, on loan from Juventus, was due to be introduced at half-time during West Ham’s Women’s Super League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, with the hosts already 4-0 down. However, new head coach Rita Guarino, overseeing her first match in charge, was forced to abandon the substitution when officials ruled that Cascarino could not enter the pitch due to jewellery regulations.
Despite the earring being covered with tape, the 28-year-old was not permitted to play, in line with Football Association rules which state that all jewellery must be removed, with no exceptions.
Speaking on The Women’s Football Show, Williams said the incident reflected poorly on the player’s preparation.
“There was a time when earrings could be taped, but the modern game doesn’t allow that,” Williams said. “For a new signing looking to make an impression, it’s a schoolgirl error — and not the impression you want to create.”
The situation was particularly notable given Cascarino had been allowed to play with the same inner-ear piercing, taped, during her time at Juventus, including in the Champions League. However, FA regulations in England explicitly prohibit the use of tape to cover jewellery.
Guarino expressed frustration at the decision, explaining that the earring could not be easily removed.
“She can’t take it out — it’s like a tattoo. She needs a doctor to remove it and she had tape,” Guarino said. “She played in the Champions League with tape, so I don’t understand how we ended up unable to use a player in this game.”
Former Wales defender Nia Jones was more forthright in her assessment, branding the episode an “absolute circus” for West Ham, who eventually suffered a 5-0 defeat.
“She’s an experienced player — a French international who has played for Juventus and PSG,” Jones said. “It was embarrassing, and in all honesty, I was glad she didn’t come on.”
The incident compounded a difficult afternoon for West Ham and underlined the importance of meticulous compliance with domestic regulations, particularly as Guarino begins her tenure at the club.
