Khadija Shaw has returned to training after missing Manchester City’s League Cup semi-final against Arsenal having been subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse.
The Jamaica striker withdrew from the squad for Thursday’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners after being targeted online following last weekend’s Women’s Super League encounter between the same two sides.
City reported the matter to police and an investigation is ongoing.
No further information about the nature of the messages has been made public but City have offered their full support to the player over what they described in a statement as “disgusting treatment”.
Shaw, who is City’s record goalscorer, missed the cup game to protect her mental wellbeing.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, manager Gareth Taylor said: “Bunny is back with us today, she is OK and trained with the team, which is good.
“That’s it. We don’t want to give any more air time to this really bad issue that she has had to suffer with.
“I made my feelings known last night. We really don’t see any place for this to be in any walk of life, not just a game of football.
“It’s not acceptable. It never will be and it never should be. It’s a horrendous situation for any person to have to deal with. We won’t stand for it at all.
“I have spoken to her and I, respectfully, don’t want to share that but it’s a caring side with the club and the support we want to give her. We support Bunny in the right way.”
Shaw made her 100th appearance for City when she came off the bench in the 4-3 WSL loss to Arsenal at the Joie Stadium last Sunday. It was only her second outing since suffering injury early in December.
She has scored 86 goals for the club.
Men’s team manager Pep Guardiola has also offered his support.
He said: “As I’m getting old it’s more difficult for me to understand how people can defend this stupid thing.
“I support her and I support all the people abused in terms of racism or gender.”
