Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds has revealed she suffered sexual harassment from a supporter during Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Arsenal.
Offensive comments were made while Hinds was receiving treatment for a head injury. The defender and one of her team-mates made match officials aware of the abuse and the supporter was removed from the stadium by the stewarding team at Borehamwood.
The incident marred what was a memorable victory for Liverpool, who progressed to the semi-finals after a 78th-minute own goal from Daphne van Domselaar.
Hinds said in a statement: “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 team-mates 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.”
A Liverpool spokesperson added: “LFC condemns all forms of discrimination and we continue to work all year round through our Red Together programme to campaign against it. All players, now and in the future, should have the knowledge that our pitches and stadiums are safe places to play football.
“We thank Taylor for immediately raising this issue, her team-mates and everyone at Arsenal for their swift actions. We will fully support the ongoing investigation.”
Arsenal said in a statement: “We are investigating inappropriate comments made by an individual towards Liverpool’s Taylor Hinds during our FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday. The supporter was ejected from the ground during the game after the incident was brought to our attention.
“Our investigation is ongoing with relevant stakeholders, and we offer our full support to Taylor throughout this time. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and discrimination of any kind and remain committed to taking strong action against such behaviour.”
