Jamaican striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw withdrew from Manchester City Women’s squad ahead of their 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final on Thursday night, citing concerns for her mental well-being after receiving racist and misogynistic abuse online.
Shaw, who made her 100th appearance for City during their 4-3 defeat to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League on Sunday, opted out of the semi-final as a response to the distressing messages she received. The club has reported the abuse to the police and is providing full support to the player.
Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor spoke on the situation during a Sky Sports interview, acknowledging the difficulty Shaw is facing. “It’s hard to say, we left yesterday and weren’t able to bring her with us on the journey,” he said. “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 is behind her.”
On Tuesday, Manchester City issued a strong statement condemning the abuse: “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 Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, the governing body responsible for the Women’s Super League and the Championship, also condemned the abuse, stating that they were “shocked and saddened” by the treatment of Shaw. “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.”
Shaw, who has scored 86 goals for Manchester City, remains a crucial figure for the team. While the investigation into the abuse continues, the club and football community stand in solidarity with her, advocating for a sport free from discrimination and abuse.