NWSL suspends Racing Louisville's Kayla Fischer for three games after hair-pull incident

Racing Louisville FC forward Kayla Fischer has been suspended for three games after a hair-pulling incident that resulted in a red card on Saturday against Angel City, the NWSL announced.

The league's Disciplinary Committee reviews all major misconduct events and issued additional punishment following her sending off at the weekend.

Fischer and the NWSL club have the right to appeal the decision, but are not expected to do so, according to ESPN.

Fischer was removed from the match in the 67th minute of a 3-2 victory over Angel City after a VAR review showed her pulling the hair of midfielder Madison Hammond and dragging her to the ground on an Angel City corner kick.

It resulted in Fischer's sending off and a penalty kick being awarded to Angel City, which USWNT striker Alyssa Thompson converted.

"I would like to apologize to Madison Hammond and Angel City for my actions last weekend," Fischer said in a statement issued to ESPN. "It was never my intention to be overly aggressive while defending a corner, and I sincerely regret my behavior and letting my teammates down. I accept and understand the league's decision.

"When I return to the field later this season, I plan to show that I have learned from my actions and that this moment doesn't define me as a player or the respect I have for my opponents and the game."

Fischer will not be eligible to return to the pitch until Aug. 1, while serving her suspension.

Fischer had started all 10 matches for Racing this season, scoring two goals and two assists. Eleven minutes before her sending off, she assisted the game-winner from Savannah DeMelo.

Fischer, 25, will miss matches against the Utah Royals, Kansas City Current and Orlando Pride before being eligible to return on Aug. 1.