Bunny Shaw withdraws from Manchester City’s League Cup semi-final against Arsenal after suffering online abuse | OneFootball

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has withdrawn from Manchester City’s League Cup semi-final squad against Arsenal after being subjected to online abuse following Sunday’s Women’s Super League match.

Manchester City reported the racist and misogynistic abuse directed towards the striker to the police and have promised to fully support Shaw, who has decided not to take part in the game in order to protect her mental wellbeing.

Shaw, 28, who won last year’s WSL golden boot and made her 100th appearance for the club when she came on as a substitute in the 4-3 defeat to Arsenal, chose not to share the messages she received to avoid giving publicity to the individuals.

City confirmed the messages had been shared with the authorities, who are investigating.

City released a statement on Tuesday which said: “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 same weekend saw Chelsea captain Millie Bright say she was heard abuse directed her way in their 1-0 win at Villa Park.

The WSL condemned the incidents and released a statement on Wednesday. It said: “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.”