Liverpool women’s goalkeeper, 25, serving six-match ban after accepting racism charge

Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe has been serving a six-match ban for using racially discriminatory language towards a team-mate last summer, head coach Gareth Taylor has confirmed.

Daily Mail Sport reported in September that the 25-year-old Germany international was under investigation by the FA over an allegation she used racist language during the club’s pre-season camp.

It is understood Borggrafe accepted the FA’s sanction at the beginning of December before Liverpool’s WSL match with Arsenal, with the knowledge she would miss a minimum of six matches while the governing body considered whether the punishment should be increased. 

It was then concluded this week that no further games would be added to the suspension.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Women’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against London Bees on Sunday, Taylor confirmed the goalkeeper has already been serving the ban.

‘The FA have sanctioned her with a six-match ban,’ the Liverpool boss said. ‘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. 

‘The situation is the situation. The team and the club have acted in the appropriate way. We support the FA’s investigation. I will say it’s dragged on a little bit. I think that’s been frustrating for everyone involved, particularly Rafa. 

‘We are happy now that it’s completed and that we have some actual detail on what it looks like, and all of us can move on.’

An LFC spokesperson said back in September: ‘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.’

Borggrafe, joined Liverpool on a free transfer from SC Freiburg last summer, is expected to return to contention immediately following the completion of her suspension.