SUPPORTERS groups of Manchester City and Arsenal women’s sides have condemned the racist and misogynistic abuse directed at Khadija Shaw.
The Man City striker was the target of abusive messages following her team’s WSL clash with the Gunners at Joie Stadium on Sunday.
AlamyManchester City say the abusive content sent to Khadija Shaw has been shared with authorities[/caption]
AlamyThe Man City striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following her team’s top-flight clash with Arsenal on February 2[/caption]
PAMan City and Arsenal are set to face each other in the semi-final of the Women’s League Cup[/caption]
The club, whose side are fourth in the Women’s Super League, slammed the “disgusting treatment” of Shaw, who played her 100th game for City on February 2.
The Jamaica international, who finished as the top-flight’s top scorer last season, made an appearance in the second half of the fixture which the Cityzens lost 4-3 to Arsenal.
Messages sent to Shaw have been shared with authorities by Man City.
The club say they are offering her their full support to the striker whose team are due to face the Gunners in a Women’s League Cup semi-final clash tomorrow evening at 7pm.
Shaw is in line to make her third appearance following her return to action from a lower leg injury sustained last December.
In a statement yesterday, the club said: “Manchester City were appalled to learn that Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following Sunday’s fixture.
“Discrimination of any kind, either in stadiums or online, will not be tolerated and has absolutely no place inside or outside the game.
“Bunny has decided not to share the messages publicly so as not to give the oxygen of publicity to the vile individuals who sent them.
“The content has been shared with the authorities. An investigation will follow and the club offers our full support to Bunny following the disgusting treatment she’s received.”
Shaw, who joined the Cityzens from French club Bordeaux in June 2021, won last season’s WSL Golden Boot after netting 21 times in 18 WSL games.
The Jamaica star is currently leading this term’s scorers charts with nine goals in 11 top-flight games.
Following Man City’s statement, fan groups of Arsenal and Man City took to social media to express their “disgust” at the abuse of Shaw.
They were also backed by Chelsea supporters group Chelsea Pride.
In a post shared via the platform X, Man City Women’s Official Supporters wrote: “We join the club in expressing the utmost disgust for this appalling abuse, and stand with both them and Bunny in condemning this type of behaviour.
“Nobody should have to put up with racial or misogynistic abuse at any time, end of!”
Arsenal Women’s Supporters Trust added: “Unacceptable behaviour, and we’re deeply saddened to hear that Khadija has been targeted in such a horrible way.
“There is no place for racism or discrimination at any level, yet it continues to happen.
“This cannot be tolerated. We stand with Khadija and send our love and support.”
And Chelsea Pride stated: “This is completely unacceptable and must be condemned by everyone across the game, clubs, governing bodies, and supporters alike.
“Hate has no place in football.”
Man City’s statement came a day after Chelsea skipper Millie Bright was the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan during the Blues 1-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday.
GettyMillie Bright hopes supporters will be mindful with the comments they direct at players[/caption]
The England vice-captain has called on the sport’s followers to be more “mindful” with their comments.
Bright said: “Every game we give our absolute all and it won’t always be pretty or perfect.
“But just remember we give everything to be the best for you, so this experience was hugely disappointing especially from a fan (who was) sat in the Chelsea section.”
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