Man City Women reported abuse directed towards Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw to the police following their Women’s Super League defeat to Arsenal last Sunday; Shaw will did not take part in Thursday’s tie against Arsenal for her mental well-being; City have promised to fully support the striker
Thursday 6 February 2025 23:38, UK
Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw withdrew from the Manchester City Women squad for Thursday’s League Cup semi-final against Arsenal after suffering racist and misogynistic abuse.
Man City reported abuse directed towards Shaw to the police following their Women’s Super League defeat to Arsenal last Sunday.
Shaw did not take part in Thursday’s tie for her mental well-being while City have promised to fully support the striker over “the disgusting treatment” she received in the aftermath of the 4-3 loss to the Gunners at the Joie Stadium.
Shaw, who has scored 86 goals for the club, made her 100th City appearance when she came off the bench in the 66th minute of the WSL fixture in what was only her second outing since suffering an injury early in December.
When asked by Sky Sports how Shaw was feeling, following the 2-1 win over Arsenal that sealed their spot in the Women’s League Cup final, City manager Gareth Taylor said: “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 because who knows what goes on in that world and when you’re affected by things like that, it’s really difficult. I’ve not really 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 a statement released by the club on Tuesday, City 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.”
The incident happened on the same weekend Chelsea captain Millie Bright heard expletive insults directed her way after their 1-0 win at Aston Villa, taking to social media to remind fans that players “are not robots.”
A statement from the WPLL, who manage the WSL, released on Wednesday read: “We are shocked and saddened to hear about the incidents that occurred over the weekend relating to Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Millie Bright.
“Players, coaches and officials should be able to do their job without being subjected to abuse, either in person or online, and there is no place for it within women’s football or wider society.
“We are speaking to both clubs and offering any support they might need.”
