Manchester City Striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw Withdraws from Arsenal Clash After Facing Racist and Misogynistic Abuse
In a deeply unsettling turn of events, Manchester City striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has made the difficult decision to withdraw from Gareth Taylor’s squad for the upcoming League Cup semifinal against Arsenal. This decision comes in the wake of the vile racist and misogynistic abuse she endured over the weekend. The abuse followed Manchester City’s narrow 4-3 defeat to Arsenal at the Joie Stadium in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Shaw, prioritizing her mental well-being, has chosen to sit out the midweek clash. Manchester City has been unwavering in their support for Shaw, condemning the “disgusting treatment” she received. The club has made it clear that they stand firmly against any form of discrimination, whether it occurs in stadiums or online. In a statement, they expressed their outrage, saying, “Manchester City were appalled to learn that Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following Sunday’s fixture.”
The club further emphasized, “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.”
Shaw, who made a return to the pitch in Sunday’s match by coming off the bench in the 66th minute after recovering from an injury, has been a formidable force for Manchester City. She has impressively scored 86 goals in 100 appearances for the team, showcasing her undeniable talent and dedication to the sport.
In response to the incident, Manchester City reported the abuse directed towards the Jamaica international to the police. The Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL), which manages the WSL, also released a statement expressing their shock and sadness over the incidents involving Shaw and Millie Bright, who faced similar abuse following Chelsea’s game over the weekend. The WPLL stated, “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.”
The WPLL is actively engaging with both clubs to offer any necessary support. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for stronger measures to protect players from such abhorrent behavior.
As for the match itself, it was initially scheduled to start at 7 p.m. GMT but faced a delay due to a “disruption affecting the arrival of the required medical services,” as stated in a post on X from the hosts. The kick-off was eventually confirmed to take place at 7.30 p.m. following the arrival of medical services.
Meanwhile, Chelsea secured their spot in the final on Wednesday evening with a 2-0 victory over West Ham. Arsenal, who have faced the reigning WSL champions in the past two finals, emerged victorious in both encounters, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown.
- Manchester City striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw withdraws from the League Cup semifinal against Arsenal.
- Shaw faced racist and misogynistic abuse following a match against Arsenal.
- Manchester City and the WPLL condemn the abuse and offer support to Shaw.
- The match was delayed due to a disruption in medical services.
- Chelsea advances to the final after defeating West Ham 2-0.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that players continue to face both on and off the field. It underscores the urgent need for collective action to eradicate discrimination from the beautiful game and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved.
Originally Written by: Emily Keogh
