Taylor Hinds, Liverpool defender, faced sexually inappropriate comments during a Women’s FA Cup match against Arsenal. Both clubs condemned the abuse and are investigating.
Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds was subjected to sexually inappropriate comments from a fan during her team’s Women’s FA Cup match against Arsenal on Sunday. The incident occurred during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at Arsenal.
Hinds reported hearing the comments while she was down with a head injury. She and a teammate immediately alerted the match officials to the abuse. Subsequently, the alleged perpetrator was removed from the stadium by the Boreham Wood stewarding team.
Liverpool Football Club has offered its full support to Taylor Hinds. A club spokesperson stated that LFC condemns all forms of discrimination and actively campaigns against it through their Red Together program. The club emphasized that all players should feel safe on the pitch and in stadiums. LFC also thanked Taylor for reporting the incident, her teammates for their swift actions, and Arsenal for their support. They confirmed they will fully support the ongoing investigation.
Arsenal has also confirmed they are investigating the inappropriate comments. The supporter in question was ejected from the ground during the game after the incident was brought to their attention. Arsenal is conducting an ongoing investigation with relevant stakeholders and is offering full support to Taylor Hinds. They maintain a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and discrimination of any kind and are committed to taking strong action against such behavior.
Hinds, who captained Liverpool in the match, expressed her determination to stand against such abuse. She stated that it was difficult to continue playing after hearing the comments. Despite the incident, she did not want it to ruin what was a fantastic day for the team and its supporters. Hinds also expressed concern for her parents who were present at the game and unaware of the abuse until later.
She thanked her teammates, Liverpool Football Club, the match officials, and Arsenal for their support and swift actions.
Hinds said, “Yesterday was an intense game and emotions were high, including the fans, but that did not give anyone the right to subject me to that kind of behaviour while down from a head injury.”
“I am there doing the job I love and to carry on playing with that in the back of my mind was hard.”
“All current women’s players and I are playing the sport we love and should be able to do so without fearing such occurrences. Every young girl out there hoping and dreaming of becoming a footballer should know that she can do so safely and happily.”
“I will not let the actions of one individual ruin what was a fantastic day for the team and our supporters, but it is not OK and I was determined to make a stand.”
“It was hard for my mum and dad to not realise what was going on and to find out later what was being shouted at their daughter during a game of football.”
“I’m doing fine and would like to thank my teammates and everyone at Liverpool for having my back, as well as the match officials for their swift actions, and everyone at Arsenal for their assertive actions and backing.”
“Together we can continue to make our sport better both now and for the years to come.”
Statements from Liverpool and Arsenal
Both Liverpool and Arsenal have issued statements condemning the abuse. Liverpool’s spokesperson emphasized the club’s commitment to fighting discrimination and ensuring a safe environment for players. Arsenal has launched an investigation and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards abuse and discrimination.
Hinds’ Response
Taylor Hinds has expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and her determination to make a stand against such behavior. She hopes that her experience will help to create a safer and more inclusive environment for women in football.
Sources: https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/statement-lfc-and-taylor-hinds
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj67nlg1p2do
https://www.arsenal.com/news/club-statement-arsenal-women-v-liverpool