Jamaican soccer star Khadija “Bunny” Shaw made a powerful statement on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, raising her fist in a Black Power salute.
The salute came after she scored the first of her two goals in Manchester City’s dominant 4-0 victory over Liverpool.
The striking gesture came just days after Shaw endured racist and misogynistic abuse online, prompting her to step away from a key match to protect her mental health.
Standing Tall Amidst Adversity
Shaw’s return to the starting lineup was nothing short of spectacular. The 28-year-old striker, who had been sidelined with a leg injury since December, wasted no time in making an impact.
She netted twice in the first half, displaying a combination of power and finesse that Manchester City had sorely missed in recent games.
However, it was her celebration that resonated beyond the pitch. Raising her right fist and bowing her head, Shaw channeled the legacy of Tommie Smith and John Carlos, whose 1968 Olympic podium protest remains an enduring symbol of resistance against racial injustice.
Shaw’s display of defiance came after a torrent of online abuse followed City’s 4-3 loss to Arsenal on February 2. The vitriol was so severe that she opted out of the League Cup semi-final rematch just days later.
Despite refusing to amplify the hate by sharing the messages publicly, her absence underscored the emotional toll of such attacks.
A Resounding Show of Support
Returning to action against Liverpool, Shaw was met with a rousing ovation from the home crowd when her name was announced.
Her performance, capped off by a standing ovation when she was subbed out in the 60th minute, reaffirmed her resilience and importance to the team.
Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor praised Shaw’s strength, acknowledging the deeper significance of her celebration.
“She’s a proud Black woman, and where she is from means a lot to her. We will always support her, and the reaction of the crowd meant a lot to her,” Taylor said.
Former City defender Izzy Christiansen lauded Shaw’s decision to prioritize her mental health by skipping the Arsenal match.
“It was brilliant self-awareness,” Christiansen told Sky Sports. “If you’re not in your performance space, you might do something reckless. We don’t know exactly how Bunny feels, but we have to respect it—and she proved her point tonight.”
More Than a Game
Shaw’s actions highlight the ongoing struggles Black female athletes face in professional sports, where racist and sexist abuse remains prevalent.
Manchester City has reported the incidents to authorities and launched an investigation while standing firmly behind their star forward.
By raising her fist, Shaw not only celebrated a goal—she sent a message. Her strength, both on and off the field, serves as an inspiration for athletes worldwide who continue to battle discrimination.
