In Video: Manchester City report racist and misogynistic abuse towards Bunny Shaw to the police

In Video: Manchester City report racist and misogynistic abuse towards Bunny Shaw to the police

Manchester City Condemn Racist and Misogynistic Abuse Targeted at Kadija Shaw After WSL Game

Club Vows to Support Shaw and Work with Authorities to Eradicate Discrimination

Manchester City Football Club has expressed their outrage and appall at the racist and misogynistic abuse suffered by striker Kadija Shaw on Sunday following the team’s 4-3 loss to Arsenal in a Women’s Super League (WSL) fixture. The club has vowed to support Shaw and work with the authorities to investigate and eradicate the disgusting treatment she received.

Kadija Shaw made her 100th appearance for the club in the match, but the matchday was marred by the vile abuse hurled at her on social media and in the stadium. The 24-year-old was subjected to a torrent of racist and misogynistic slurs, leaving her and the club reeling.

"It’s appalling that in 2023, we’re still dealing with this kind of behavior," said a Manchester City spokesperson. "There is no place for discrimination, racism, or misogyny in our sport, and we will not tolerate it in our stadium or online. We will do everything in our power to support Kadija and work with the authorities to ensure those responsible face the consequences of their actions."

The club has released a statement condemning the abuse and reaffirming their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all players and fans. "Manchester City were appalled to learn that Kadija Shaw was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following Sunday’s fixture," the statement read. "We have shared the content with the authorities and an investigation will follow. We offer our full support to Kadija following the disgusting treatment she has received."

Shaw herself has chosen not to share the abusive messages publicly, refusing to give oxygen to the vile individuals who sent them. "It’s not worth giving these people the attention they crave," she said in a statement. "We must not let their disgusting behavior go unchecked. We must stand together against this kind of hate and fight for a game that is free from discrimination and prejudice."

Manchester City joins the WSL and Kick It Out, a charity that campaigns against discrimination in football, in condemning the abuse. "We are appalled by the racist and misogynistic abuse suffered by Kadija Shaw and all the other players who have faced similar online abuse," said Kick It Out’s Interim Director, Fleur Robinson. "We will continue to work with clubs, players, and fans to eradicate this vile behavior and ensure that football is a positive and inclusive space for all."

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women’s football in the UK. Despite the growing popularity of the women’s game, players and fans still face a treacherous online environment, where abuse and hate speech are all too common.

As Manchester City and the WSL look to eradicate this kind of abuse, they have a crucial role to play in promoting an environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from discrimination. It is a challenge that requires collective action, and it is time for the football community to come together to reject hate and promote respect, inclusivity, and equality.