Crazy moment women's footballer throws rival to the ground by her NECK as furious fans hit out at 'WWE-style' move

Fans have been left stunned after an explosive flashpoint during Crystal Palace Women's clash with Leicester saw an Eagles player grab an opponent by the neck and hurl her to the turf.

Eagles star Ruesha Littlejohn was involved in a heated exchange with Leicester's Hannah Cain during the second half at the King Power on Sunday evening. 

During a fractious period of play, the veteran Irish midfielder could be seen seizing Cain around the upper body before dramatically throwing her to the ground.

The clip sparked a fierce reaction online, with fans branding the moment 'shocking', 'dangerous' and 'WWE-style' as it spread across X. 

The incident left many fans dumbfounded, perplexed by Littlejohn's decision, with her side already in the ascendancy. 

One fan wrote: 'The player already down could have been kicked in the head by Cain's foot as she got dragged down, what an idiot for endangering multiple players.'

Another added: 'Actually just noticed that McLoughlin the player down moved to her side and shielded head.'

A third commented: 'Hoooooly s***, it's so much worse than I thought.'

Footage also showed Olivia McLoughlin, the Leicester player already on the ground, moving across and shielding her head during the aftermath of the flashpoint.

Littlejohn was immediately shown a straight red card for violent conduct, reducing Crystal Palace to ten players for the remainder of the second half.

The dismissal came just minutes after Annabel Blanchard had made it 3-0, effectively putting the contest beyond Leicester’s reach.

Crystal Palace had earlier taken control through a Kirsty Howat opener inside six minutes and a Justine Vanhaevermaet header before half-time.

Despite being reduced to ten players, Palace comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to secure a 3-0 League Cup win.