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

---

Allegations of racism and bullying made against former Newcastle coach Peter Beardsley are being investigated by the Football Association. Beardsley, who coached Newcastle's Under-23 side, left
FA investigating allegations of racism and bullying against

---

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has announced his retirement from football. The 34-year-old, who played for Reds between 2009 and 2015, confirmed his decision on Monday. "Today is the day I'm officially saying I've retired.
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson retires | Official Site

---

Tottenham new stadium latest: Spurs train at £1billion ground

---

Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of Manchester City's 2-1 win over Manchester United, as the Citizens moved 11 points clear at the top.
[Match Thread] Manchester City vs Manchester Utd : reddevils

---

Everton boss Marco Silva has no interest in affecting title race ahead of Manchester City visit Doing title challengers City or Liverpool a favour is the last thing on Silva's mind, according to
Under-fire Marco Silva safe for now after backing from owner

---

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling sent a touching letter to fan who had been racially abused 'You are strong and very brave,' Sterling told young Ethan Ross in his heartfelt letter RELATED
Raheem Sterling sends letter to young fan after racial abuse

---

Manchester City vs Liverpool: Xherdan Shaqiri insists Reds' focus is on winning Premier League game, not destroying City title hopes Written by: fpnews Posted on: December 31, 2018 Xherdan Shaqiri says Liverpool are not viewing the Manchester City game as a chance to knock their rivals out of the Premier League title race.
Xherdan Shaqiri insists Reds' focus is on winning Premier

---

Tottenham team news: How Spurs could line up vs Borussia Dortmund Mauricio Pochettino has a few players battling for fitness ahead of the European clash at Wembley
Tottenham 3 Borussia Dortmund 1: Harry Kane shows his class

---

Chelsea news live: €60m star that could help Hazard, Gary Neville offers Chelsea transfer advice. Chelsea transfer news includes our live blog to keep up to date with all the latest goings on at Stamford Bridge
Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Barcelona put Jovic move on

---

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin confirmed the news after their meeting in DublinA third European club competition with the working title 'Europa League 2' will be introduced from 2021.One English team will enter the play-offs of the new tournament, while Scottish sides may miss out on Europa League places in a reshuffle.As part of Uefa's 2021-2024…
'Europa League 2': Uefa confirms new tournament from 2021

---

Welcome to the Evening Standard's LIVE blog dedicated to the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip. Having completed the signing of Dan James from Swansea, Manchester United are looking to
Transfer news live: Liverpool eye Chelsea - football.london

---

Chelsea transfer crisis: Blues set for ANOTHER probe - latest Football Leaks revelation CHELSEA are facing another transfer probe after allegations they paid the father of Danish defender Andreas
The six Chelsea loanees who can become first-teamers next

---

Tiemoue Bakayoko to stay at Chelsea after AC Milan u-turn confirms agent after flop midfielder fails to land AC Milan transfer. the plug on a permanent deal for the French midfielder.
Tiemoue Bakayoko makes decision over his Chelsea future after

---

Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent fears the club may struggle to keep hold of South Korean star Heung-Min Son after his brilliant campaign. The forward has been one of the best performers in the Premier League this season, certainly since December having scored 11 goals in his last 15 games.
Tottenham may struggle to keep hold of 'amazing' Son - Bent

---