The Manchester City forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has been the victim of racial and misogynistic abuse, a situation that has sparked a strong reaction from fellow footballers Nikita Parris and Jordan Nobbs. The two players recently expressed their concerns during an episode of Sky Sports’ Pitch to Pod podcast, emphasizing the need for more decisive action from football authorities to eradicate such behavior from the game.
City reported the abuse directed at Shaw to the police following their Women’s Super League defeat to Arsenal. In response to the incident, Shaw opted out of City’s League Cup match against the Gunners for the sake of her mental well-being. However, she made a triumphant return to the pitch during City’s Women’s FA Cup victory against Leicester, where she came off the bench to score a goal in a 3-1 win.
Abuse in Women’s Football
The abuse suffered by Shaw is just one example of a broader issue plaguing the sport. Chelsea captain Millie Bright also faced expletive insults after a match, prompting her to remind fans that players are not robots. Nobbs, the Aston Villa midfielder, highlighted the need for continued efforts to educate people about the unacceptability of such abuse in football.
The incidents involving Shaw and Bright have ignited a conversation about the prevalence of abuse in women’s football. Both Parris and Nobbs stressed the importance of taking a strong stance against this behavior to protect players and preserve the integrity of the game.
The Impact of Abuse on Players
Parris and Nobbs shed light on the emotional toll that abusive behavior can have on players. Parris expressed her willingness to walk off the pitch if faced with such abuse during a game, underscoring the need for players to stand up against mistreatment. She emphasized that while footballers may be subjected to public scrutiny, it does not justify abusive behavior from fans or spectators.
Moreover, Parris drew attention to the mental health implications of online abuse, referencing the experiences of Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final. She highlighted the profound impact that abusive comments can have on players’ mental well-being and urged for greater respect and empathy within the football community.
Addressing the Issue
Samuel Okafor, the CEO of ‘Kick It Out,’ called for regulatory bodies to hold social media companies accountable for online abuse directed at players. He emphasized the importance of empowering users to combat abusive behavior online and urged regulators to take a more proactive stance in addressing the issue.
Okafor also stressed the significance of education in combating discrimination within football. He underscored the need for increased awareness and understanding among both players and fans to create a more inclusive and respectful environment within the sport. Okafor’s remarks echoed the sentiments shared by Parris and Nobbs, emphasizing the collective responsibility to address abusive behavior and foster a culture of respect and equality in football.
