Khadija Shaw was not involved in Manchester City’s squad for the League Cup semi-final win over Arsenal on Thursday night, having been subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following Sunday’s Women’s Super League game.
City record goalscorer Shaw was sent racist and misogynistic messages following Sunday’s league fixture against the Gunners.
The club reported the matter to the police and are supporting Shaw over “the disgusting treatment” she received in the aftermath of the 4-3 loss at the Joie Stadium.
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.… pic.twitter.com/mghP7kB5FF
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) February 4, 2025
Jamaica striker Shaw was not named in Gareth Taylor’s squad for the cup tie at Meadow Park on Thursday evening, which City won 2-1 after Mary Fowler scored deep into stoppage time.
It has been reported Shaw chose to withdraw from being involved in the match to protect her mental wellbeing.
When asked how Shaw was following the incident, City manager Gareth Taylor said on Sky Sports: “It’s hard to say. We left yesterday and weren’t able to bring her with us on the journey.
“It’s really difficult for me to analyse. Who knows what goes on in that world? When you’re affected by things like that it’s really, really difficult.
“I’ve not had time to have a good conversation with her about it, but she knows and needs to know that the whole club are behind her in this.”
In their statement on Tuesday evening, City stressed that “discrimination of any kind, either in stadiums or online, will not be tolerated and has absolutely no place inside or outside the game”.
City’s statement added: “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.”
