Womens football has a major problem with racist and homophobic abuse, West Ham star Claire Rafferty tells talkSPORT

Womens football has a major problem with racist and homophobic abuse, West Ham star Claire Rafferty tells talkSPORT
Womens football has a problem with racist and homophobic abuse, West Ham United Women star Claire Rafferty has told talkSPORT.The former Chelsea and England ace says the problem exists at all levels of football, and she’s urged the Football Association and clubs to take more responsibility when it comes to educating players.Sheffield United player Sophie Jones was sacked by her club earlier this week after being found guilty of racially abusing Tottenham Ladies’ Renee Hector during an FA Women’s Championship fixture in January.2

Sophie Jones (L) has retired from football after being sacked by Sheffield United

Jones was alleged to have made monkey noises towards her opponent and, after being hit with a five-game ban and 2,000 fine, had her contract terminated by the Blades.She has since quit the game for good, insisting she is innocent and can no longer play under a governing body she does not have any confidence in.Rafferty – a two-time Women’s Super League winner and one-time Women’s FA Cup champion – joined talkSPORT host Jim White on Thursday to discuss racism in women’s football – and she revealed other forms of abuse are also prevalent in the female game. Asked if racism exists in women’s football, Rafferty replied: Yes.I think it exists in every game and I think wed be nave to say it doesnt.Its not just racism. Homophobic slurs get used and I think they get used at every level of football.Its about educating people.2

Rafferty enjoyed a successful spell with Chelsea before joining West Ham last summer

I think sometimes people dont really understand the extent of what they say, so I think its down to the FA and down to the clubs to educate players.The FA have set a precedent now by banning her [Jones].It needs to be stamped out, 100 per cent, and they need to give out the harshest possible punishments to try and stop it.

Listen back to talkSPORT’s interview with Claire Rafferty IN FULL above

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