‘Sexually inappropriate comments’ aimed at Hinds in Women’s FA Cup tie | OneFootball

The Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds was subjected to “sexually inappropriate comments” from a spectator during the Women’s FA Cup win at Arsenal on Sunday, her club have said. The incident occurred while Hinds was receiving treatment on the pitch and a member of the crowd was removed from the stadium by stewards.

In a statement offering the club’s “full support” to Hinds and thanking Arsenal for taking swift action, a Liverpool spokesperson said: “LFC condemns all forms of discrimination. 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.”

The Women’s FA Cup said in a statement on X: “We stand with Taylor Hinds and offer her our full support. All players should have the freedom to play the game without the worry of discrimination and abuse – there is no place for it in football.”

Hinds, who is Liverpool’s vice-captain, 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.

“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.”

Arsenal issued a statement on Monday evening confirming that an investigation was ongoing and expressing their commitment towards taking strong action against any such behaviour. “We are investigating inappropriate comments made by an individual towards Liverpool’s Taylor Hinds during our FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday,” the club said.

“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.”

Liverpool won the game 1-0 to set up a semi-final away against Chelsea, as they bid for a place in the final on 18 May at Wembley.

Header image: [Photograph: Rhianna Chadwick/PA]