Sheffield United Women’s forward found guilty of racial abuse

Sheffield United Women striker Sophie Jones has been banned for five games after being found guilty of racial abuse.

The allegations were made last month by Tottenham player Renee Hector as she reported receiving “some monkey noises from an opposition player”.

Jones has also had her contract with Sheffield United terminated.

In a statement the striker said she “maintains her innocence and is disappointed with the FA’s decision”.

She has also been fined £200 and must attend an educational course as part of her punishment.

After the game on January 6, which Spurs won 2-1, Hector took to Twitter saying she had been on the end of the monkey chants.

“Such a shame that racism seems to be rising up again in football – I received some monkey noises today from an opposition player.

“The only reaction was to let the football do the talking and that we did great start to the year!”

 

Hector also reported the incident to the referee during the game and later altered the Football Association.

The Blades made a statement on the club website following the conclusion of the independent investigation set up by the FA.

“Sheffield United Football Club has formally been made aware of the outcome of the Football Association disciplinary hearing involving one of the Club’s women’s team.”

The statement also added:

“The club works closely with the EFL, the FA and Kick it Out and would like to reiterate that it does not condone racism or any form of discrimination.

“Following the dialogue between the Club and Jones, and taking into account the length of the suspension, it has been decided that her contract, which was due for review in the summer, will be terminated by mutual agreement.”