Liverpool Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe Banned for Six Games Over Racist Remark

Liverpool women's goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe has been handed a six-match ban by the Football Association (FA) following an investigation into an alleged racist comment, as confirmed by head coach Gareth Taylor.[1][2][3]

The 25-year-old German, who joined Liverpool from Freiburg in July after over a decade with the club, accepted the FA's charge several weeks ago. She has already served five matches of the suspension and must complete an education program. Borggrafe, who has made three Women's Super League (WSL) appearances for the league-bottom side, will miss this weekend's FA Cup clash with London Bees or WSL game against Tottenham Hotspur but is available for selection afterward.[1][2][3][4]

The allegation stems from an incident during Liverpool's pre-season training camp in Cork, Ireland, reportedly while the squad prepared for a team photograph. British media first reported in September that the FA launched an inquiry after claims Borggrafe used discriminatory language of a racial nature toward an unnamed teammate.[1][2][3]

Speaking ahead of Sunday's fixture, Taylor provided the update: "We have a slight update on the situation, in the sense that the FA has now completed its thorough investigation. They sanctioned the player with a six-game ban." He noted the ban was ongoing during matches, calling the process frustrating but affirming the club's support for the FA's actions.[1][2][3][4]

Taylor added: "That has been ongoing whilst we’ve been playing. So effectively, she will be out of the running to be involved this weekend, but after that, she’s available for selection... We’re happy now that it’s completed... all of us can move on." The club and team have handled the matter appropriately, he said.[1]

Liverpool, currently at the foot of the WSL table, approached the FA for comment via SheKicks.[1]

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