Jamaican star Khadija "Bunny" Shaw delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, scoring twice in Manchester City Women's 4-0 victory over Liverpool, but it was her post-goal celebration that made the loudest statement.
As reported by the BBC, after netting her first goal, Shaw stood with her right fist raised and head bowed, a powerful Black Power salute reminiscent of the historic gesture made by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics. It was a moment of defiance and resilience in response to the racist abuse she had endured following City's previous home defeat to Arsenal on February 2.
The 28-year-old forward had received an outpouring of support from City fans after suffering vile online abuse, which led her to withdraw from the League Cup semi-final against Arsenal days later. Instead of addressing the celebration directly after the match, Shaw kept her focus on her game, telling Sky Sports, "It was good to get back on the scoresheet after a difficult couple of days."
City manager Gareth Taylor, while admitting he had not seen the celebration firsthand, acknowledged its significance.
"It’s powerful," Taylor said. "She’s a proud Black woman, and where she is from means a lot to her. We will always support her, and the reaction of the crowd meant a lot to her."
Shaw has chosen not to publicize the abuse she received, refusing to give her abusers a platform. However, as the BBC reported, the fact that she felt unable to face Arsenal in a crucial cup tie underscores the deep emotional toll such incidents can take, even on the strongest of athletes.
Returning to the starting lineup for the first time since her leg injury in December, Shaw wasted no time reminding everyone why she is one of the most dominant strikers in world football. Her first goal in the 30th minute was classic Shaw—a sharp turn and precise finish beyond the Liverpool goalkeeper. Just before halftime, she doubled City’s lead with an exquisite touch and half-volley, displaying a mix of power and finesse unmatched in the WSL.
Liverpool had their chances, but City's defence, anchored by goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck, held firm. Jill Roord added a third in the 60th minute before Ruby Prior’s curling effort sealed the 4-0 win in the 77th.
Despite missing two league games, Shaw remains the WSL’s top scorer with 11 goals, three more than her closest rival, Alessia Russo. Her influence at Manchester City is undeniable—since joining in 2021, she has netted 88 goals in 102 appearances, earning back-to-back City Player of the Year awards.
Former Manchester City midfielder Izzy Christiansen praised Shaw for her self-awareness in stepping away from the Arsenal match, telling Sky Sports:
"If you're not in your performance space, you might do something stupid. We don’t know how Bunny feels, but we have to respect it, and she proved her point tonight."
Her City teammate Lauren Hemp also expressed admiration, stating, "Bunny has been through a lot recently, so it’s great for her and it’s great for us to see her back scoring goals like she always has done."
Liverpool manager Matt Beard summed up the night perfectly:
"It could have been 6-4 tonight in chances. The difference tonight was Bunny Shaw."
As the BBC highlighted, Shaw’s celebration was more than just a personal statement—it was a moment that elevated the fight against racism in women’s football. In a sport where Black female players continue to face discrimination, Shaw used her platform to send a message without uttering a single word.
As women's football grows in popularity, the challenges players face—on and off the field—will only become more scrutinized. Shaw, however, continues to rise above the hate, letting her talent, resilience, and courage do the talking.
And, as Courtney Sweetman-Kirk put it after the match: "Man City needed the moment, they needed the big-game player. That’s how you prove a point to people."
(Reporting credit: BBC Sport)