Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, making her first start for Manchester City Women since stepping away due to racist abuse on social media, scored two goals in the team’s 4-0 victory over Liverpool in the Women’s Super League on Sunday. After scoring, Shaw bowed her head and raised a gloved fist, performing the Black Power salute.
City manager Gareth Taylor praised Shaw, saying, “It’s powerful, obviously. Bunny’s a proud Black woman, and her journey means a lot to her.”
Shaw had been targeted by racist abuse after a February 2 match against Arsenal. She withdrew from the League Cup semifinal against Arsenal a few days later but returned as a substitute in an FA Cup match on February 9.
Sunday’s game marked her return to the starting lineup, and Shaw expressed relief, saying it was “definitely good to get back on the scoresheet after a difficult couple of days.”
Taylor mentioned that Shaw’s teammates were very supportive of her during the game.
“It’s nice for her to feel the love from the supporters and the club,” he added.
The Black Power salute, which Shaw performed, is a gesture that was famously made by American 200-meter medalists John Carlos and Tommie Smith at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, where they used the moment to protest racial injustice.
