February 6 – England’s Women’s Super League (WSL) has condemned the abuse suffered by Manchester City forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw and Chelsea defender Millie Bright (pictured) over the weekend.
“We are shocked and saddened to hear about the incidents that occurred,” the WSL said in a statement relating to both players.
“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.”
City confirmed that they had reported racist and misogynistic abuse of their star forward to police. Shaw, 28, is the leading scorer in the WSL this season, after the Jamaica international won the Golden Boot in 2023-24 and came on as a substitute during City’s 4-3 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
“Discrimination of any kind, either in stadiums or online, will not be tolerated and has absolutely no place inside or outside the game,” City said in a statement.
“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.”
Chelsea captain Bright said it was “hugely disappointing” to hear expletive insults aimed at her following the west London club’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa.
The England international said a fan made an expletive-filled comment about her first-half performance after asking for photos and autographs.
“Please may I remind you that as players we are not collectables, we are not robots, we are humans the same as you,” Bright said.
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