Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds has spoken out after being subjected to sexually inappropriate comments during Sunday's Women's FA Cup win over Arsenal.
Hinds reported the comments to officials, having heard the inappropriate remarks while down with a head injury. Both she and a teammate went to the match officials, who informed the stewarding team. Those stewards acted swiftly to remove an individual from the stadium, with Liverpool branding the incident as "unacceptable" on its website. Speaking on Monday, Reds captain Hinds conceded it was tough to continue after hearing the comments.
Hinds said to the club website: “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 behavior 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.
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“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 mom and dad to not realize 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.”
In a statement of its own, Liverpool confirmed I was launching an investigation into the comments and offered Hinds its full support. The statement read: "LFC condemns all forms of discrimination, and we continue to work all year round through our Red Together program 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 teammates, and everyone at Arsenal for their swift actions. We will fully support the ongoing investigation.”
