Liverpool Women's Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe Banned for Six Games Over Alleged Racist Remark

Liverpool Women's goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe has received a six-game ban following an allegation of using discriminatory language during the club's pre-season camp. The incident occurred in Cork, Ireland, a week before the Women's Super League (WSL) season began, where Borggräfe, who joined Liverpool from Freiburg in July, allegedly made a one-off inappropriate remark of a racial nature overheard by someone connected to the club.[1][2]

Liverpool acted swiftly, conducting an internal investigation and reporting the matter to the Football Association (FA), which launched a formal probe under FA Rule E3. This rule prohibits improper conduct, including abusive or insulting behavior that brings the game into disrepute.[1][3] The club issued a statement confirming it followed protocols fully, condemning all forms of discrimination, and supporting the ongoing FA investigation.[3]

Borggräfe missed Liverpool's opening Merseyside derby loss to Everton on September 7 due to an "internal matter," as explained by head coach Gareth Taylor. She returned to training and was an unused substitute in the subsequent 1-0 defeat to Leicester City.[1][3] Taylor later revealed she is serving the six-game suspension for the alleged racist remark.[2]

Potential sanctions for breaches like this include suspensions, fines, and education courses. Precedents include Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur's seven-game ban and £100,000 fine in 2024 for comparing teammate Son Heung-min to other South Koreans, and Manchester City's Bernardo Silva's one-game ban in 2019 for a social media post referencing Benjamin Mendy.[1] Edinson Cavani also faced a three-game suspension in 2021 for using an offensive term online.[1]

The FA has not disclosed a timeline for further outcomes. Liverpool, meanwhile, prepares for their next WSL match against Aston Villa.[3] This case underscores the FA's commitment to eradicating racism in football, with the club emphasizing zero tolerance.[1][3]

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