Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has withdrawn from the Manchester City Women squad for Thursday’s League Cup semi-final against Arsenal due to experiencing racist and misogynistic abuse. The club reported the abusive messages directed toward Shaw to law enforcement after their recent Women’s Super League defeat against Arsenal.
For her mental well-being, Shaw will not participate in Thursday’s match, and Manchester City has vowed to provide full support to the striker following “the disgusting treatment” she endured after the 4-3 loss to Arsenal at the Joie Stadium.
Shaw, who has netted 86 goals for the club, made her 100th appearance for Manchester City off the bench in the WSL fixture, marking her return following an injury sustained earlier in December.
In a statement, Manchester City expressed their dismay, stating: “We were appalled to learn that Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following Sunday’s fixture. Discrimination of any kind, whether in stadiums or online, will not be tolerated and has absolutely no place inside or outside the game.”
The club noted that Shaw chose not to share the abusive messages publicly to avoid giving attention to those responsible. The content of these messages has been forwarded to the authorities, and an investigation is set to commence.
This incident coincided with the weekend when Chelsea captain Millie Bright also faced verbal abuse following her team’s match against Aston Villa. Bright took to social media to remind fans that players “are not robots.”
The Women’s Professional League has commented on the incidents, stating: “We are shocked and saddened to hear about the abuse directed at Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Millie Bright. Players, coaches, and officials should be able to perform their roles without facing abuse, whether in person or online. There is no place for such behavior within women’s football or society at large. We are in communication with both clubs to provide any necessary support.”
