Man. City women’s star Shaw misses game due to online abuse

Manchester City women’s star striker Khadija Shaw pulled out of her side’s League Cup semi-final win over Arsenal after being subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse online.

City reported abuse directed towards Jamaica international Shaw to the police following their Women’s Super League (WSL) 4-3 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

The sides met again on Thursday, with City this time winning 2-1 to reach the League Cup final.

However, Shaw, who is the WSL’s top goalscorer, was not involved with Sky Sports reporting the 28-year-old sat out the match to protect her mental well-being.

“We left yesterday and weren’t able to bring her with us on the journey,” said City boss Gareth Taylor after the match.

“It’s really difficult for me to analyse. Who knows what goes on in that world? When you’re affected by things like that it’s really, really difficult.

“I’ve not had time to have a good conversation with her about it, but she knows and needs to know that the whole club are behind her in this.”

City released a statement on Tuesday, condemning the “disgusting treatment” the club’s record goalscorer had received.

“Bunny (Shaw) has decided not to share the messages publicly so as not to give the oxygen of publicity to the vile individuals who sent them,” said the City statement.

“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.”