Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw faced a storm of racist and misogynistic abuse following Manchester City Women's recent defeat to Arsenal, prompting her to withdraw from Thursday's rematch against the same team. The abuse, which surfaced after Sunday's fixture at Joie Stadium, has been reported to the police by Manchester City Women, who pledged unwavering support for Shaw amid the "disgusting treatment" she encountered. The club confirmed that an investigation is underway into the incident.
Shaw, who marked her 100th appearance for Manchester City Women during the match, decided against participating in the subsequent game for the sake of her mental well-being. Her decision to step back highlights the emotional toll such abuse can take on athletes. Despite scoring an impressive 86 goals for the team, Shaw chose not to publicize the abusive messages, aiming not to give further attention to the perpetrators.
The incident involving Shaw is not isolated. On the same weekend, Chelsea captain Millie Bright was subjected to expletive-laden insults. Bright took to social media to address the issue, reminding fans that players "are not robots" and deserve respect and dignity.
"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." – WPLL
Manchester City's commitment to supporting Shaw reflects a broader acknowledgment within women's football of the need for change and protection against such behavior. While Shaw prioritizes her mental health, the club stands by her, ensuring that steps are taken to address and eradicate this form of abuse.
Shaw had only recently returned to action following an injury in December, making her second appearance since then during Sunday's Women's Super League game. Her contributions on the field are undeniable, yet her decision to shield herself from further harm underscores the importance of mental health in sports.
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