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Liverpool Women has released a statement about Rafaela Borggrafe after the FA confirmed it was carrying out an investigation over an allegation that the goalkeeper used discriminatory language.
The men's team is currently preparing for a Merseyside derby at Anfield, the same fixture which the women's side contested on the first day of the new WSL season. New signing Borggrafe sat that one out, with Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor citing an "internal club issue".
The Reds suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat in that game, with the manager expressing his frustration. A spokesperson for Liverpool Women has now provided some more clarity on Borggrafe's situation.
"Liverpool Football Club is aware of an alleged use of discriminatory language by an LFC Women’s player," the club said. "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."
Despite the FA investigation being ongoing, Borggrafe did return to contention for Liverpool Women's game against Leicester. That ended in a 1-0 defeat, with the German goalkeeper remaining on the bench.
Faye Kirby, 21, was given the nod instead. Originally from the Everton youth system, she joined Liverpool in 2022, before spending time on loan with Aberdeen in 2023/24.
An ACL injury then caused a severe setback. But Kirby signed a new deal with Liverpool this summer, and has been thrust into the action.
Borggrafe, for her part, arrived from Freiburg in the most recent transfer window. The 25-year-old had made 59 league appearances for the German side.
The Guardian understands that Borggrafe denies the allegations. They stem from Liverpool Women's preseason camp.
The FA's involvement relates to rule E3. This prohibits threatening, abusive, indecent, or insulting words, or anything else that could bring the game into disrepute.
A guilty verdict could result in a suspension, fine, and/or a mandatory education course. Liverpool has indicated that it will not comment further until the investigation has concluded.
Liverpool Women is next in action on Sunday, when it travels to Aston Villa. Taylor, a former Man City boss who also once worked with Jeremie Frimpong in the academy setup, will be hoping to get his first points on the board against another side that has made a slow start.
After that, the next league encounter sees the Reds host rivals Manchester United. That will take place at St Helens Stadium, which Liverpool Women has called home since last season.
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