FA starts investigation on Rafaela Borggräfe racist comment allegation overheard by some staff and teammates.
FA investigates claim that Liverpool keeper Rafaela Borggräfe made racist comment.
Following allegations that Liverpool goalie Rafaela Borggräfe made reference to skin colour in a remark that was overheard by some employees and teammates, the Football Association has opened a racism investigation.
Liverpool is thought to have immediately conducted an internal investigation after the alleged event was heard while the team was getting ready for a squad photo.
Representatives of the players were contacted, but they have not yet responded. Nonetheless, it is believed that throughout the ongoing processes, Borggräfe refuted the accusations.
When Borggräfe, who joined the English team on a free transfer from SC Freiburg this summer, missed the team’s first competitive game of the season—the WSL Merseyside derby at Anfield in September—the club’s inquiry was still in progress.
Gareth Taylor, the head coach of Liverpool, explained the German keeper’s absence during the loss to Everton by claiming it was due to a “internal club issue.”
A club statement on Friday said: “Liverpool Football Club is aware of an alleged use of discriminatory language by an LFC Women’s player. The club has followed its protocols to the fullest extent and the alleged incident has been reported to the FA, which is conducting an investigation with our full support. We condemn all forms of discrimination; it has no place in football or society. We are unable to comment further while the investigation is ongoing.”