Just In: Man City Striker Withdraws from League Cup Semi-Final After Racist and Misogynistic Abuse

Manchester City striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has withdrawn from the squad for Thursday’s League Cup semi-final against Arsenal, following racist and misogynistic abuse after City’s recent Women’s Super League defeat.

City Reports Abuse to Police

Manchester City confirmed they reported the abuse to the police after their 4-3 loss to Arsenal at the Joie Stadium on Sunday. Shaw, who recently returned from injury and made her 100th City appearance in that match, will miss Thursday’s fixture for the sake of her mental well-being.

The club has strongly condemned the abuse, describing it as “disgusting” and promising to support Shaw throughout the situation.

City’s Official Statement

In a statement released on Tuesday, Manchester City expressed their outrage over the abuse directed at Shaw:

— “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.”

A Wider Problem in the Women’s Game

Shaw’s case is not an isolated incident. On the same weekend, Chelsea captain Millie Bright was also targeted with expletive-laden insults after her team’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa. Bright responded on social media, reminding fans that players “are not robots.”

The Women’s Professional League (WPLL), which oversees the WSL, issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the abuse against Shaw and Bright:

— “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.”

Football’s Fight Against Discrimination Continues

With authorities now investigating, Shaw’s case is yet another reminder of the ongoing fight against discrimination in football. City’s stance is clear—such abuse has no place in the game, and the club will stand firmly behind their star striker.