Man City offer update on star after been withdrew from squad to face Arsenal following racist abuse online.
Manchester City have confirmed that player has returned to training after withdrawing from the Arsenal game in light of receiving online abuse.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Following City’s 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League last weekend, striker Shaw received racist and misogynistic abuse on social media. The Jamaican subsequently withdrew from her side’s League Cup semi-final against the Gunners on Thursday; a game they dramatically won 2-1 in second-half stoppage time. Now, City boss Gareth Taylor says Shaw is “ok” and is back training with the team ahead of hosting Leicester City in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.
WHAT GARETH TAYLOR SAID
Taylor told Sky Sports: “It’s hard to say, we left yesterday and weren’t able to bring her with us on the journey. 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.
“The situation is the situation, the decision was the decision. Bunny’s back with us today, she’s OK, she trained with the team, which is good. So that’s it. I don’t think we want to give any more airtime to this really bad issue that she’s had to suffer with. Of course not (players shouldn’t have to deal with abuse). There’s no place for it at all in any walk of life, there’s really not. Anyone saying the opposite of that, there’s no palace for it at all in anything we do.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
City released a statement earlier this week condemning the “disgusting treatment” the 28-year-old was subjected to. The club said the content in question had been shared with the authorities, with Shaw not wanting to give “oxygen” to those responsible.
WHAT NEXT?
Many will hope Shaw can fire City to an FA Cup victory against Leicester on Sunday, before hosting Liverpool in the WSL next weekend.
