Houston Dash and Nigerian fans blame 'poor refereeing' for Michelle Alozie's red card against San Diego Wave.
Super Falcons of Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie has risen to the top of the trends on social media.
The 26-year-old defender made headlines for her latest involvement on the pitch this time around.
03:40 - 04.09.2023
Michelle Alozie: Super Falcons star receives red card as Houston Dash loses to San Diego Wave
Super Falcons star Michelle Alozie was sent off as Houston Dash lost to San Diego Wave.
Michelle Alozie receives a red card
For the NWSL matchup against the San Diego Wave, Alozie was selected to start for the Houston Dash.
18:00 - 02.09.2023
Michelle Alozie and Chelsea: Super Falcons star laments loss to Nottingham Forest
Super Falcons Michelle Alozie star laments as Chelsea loses to Nottingham Forest
The 33rd minute would see a change in the game's dynamic as Nigerian defender Alozie was given a red card.
Alozie took down her opponent, who was through on goal after she was unable to control the ball from a throw-in.
Center referee Ekaterina Koroleva decided to dismiss Alozie because she was the final defender to make a tackle.
But in the 57th minute, Jaedyn Shaw scored after Christen Westphal had passed the ball to her to give San Diego Wave the lead.
The San Diego Wave hung on to earn all three points against the Houston Dash.
Nigerians and Houston Dash fans react to Alozie's red card
Following the red card, Nigerian football fans as well as Houston Dash fans voiced their displeasure on social media.
The Houston Dash fans made it clear that Alozie was not at fault and that the referee got the decision wrong.
Replays from the VAR suggest that Alozie did not bring down her opponent but tripped while running back.
See reactions below
Michelle Alozie and social media trends
Alozie is active on social media and recently expressed her thoughts about Chelsea's defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Some Manchester United, Arsenal, and even Liverpool fans were shocked to find out Alozie supports Chelsea.
The Super Falcons star, who is now a massive figure in the Nigerian social media space, was given several clubs as options to choose from and dump Chelsea as soon as possible.
Alozie has been active on social media after helping the Super Falcons of Nigeria achieve a round of 16 place at the recently concluded 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Houston Dash star trended following a stamp by Lauren James and missing a penalty as the Super Falcons were knocked out by the Lionesses of England.
Alozie has also trended for teaming up with Nigerian Afrobeat star Davido as well as giving her thoughts about the Big Brother Naija All-Star reality television show.
Alozie disappointed with red card
Alozie took to social media to give her thoughts on the red card and her team playing the rest of the game down a player.
She said, "Disappointed that i put my team in a tough position tonight.
"However, extremely proud of the effort and fight that they had with only 10 players. i will always give it all for them and the H.
The red card for Alozie now means that she will miss the next game for Houston Dash away against Uchenna Kanu's Racing Louisville.