Liverpool women's star investigated by FA over racism allegation - as club issues statement and potential punishhments are revealed

The Football Association are investigating Liverpool women’s goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe over an allegation she used discriminatory language.

The 25-year-old German, who joined Liverpool from SC Freiburg in July, used an inappropriate phrase of a racist nature during the club’s pre-season camp, according to reports.

An LFC spokesperson said: ‘Liverpool Football Club is aware of an alleged use of discriminatory language by an LFC Women’s player.

‘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.’

Borgraffe missed Liverpool’s first game of the season, the Merseyside derby at Anfield, with Reds boss Gareth Taylor explaining that her absence was down to an ‘internal club issue’.

Daily Mail Sport has been made aware that the FA are currently aware of the matter and looking into it.

Borggrafe’s representatives have been contacted for comment. 

Speaking later in the month, when discussing her availability before last Sunday’s away defeat to Leicester, Taylor said of Borggrafe: ‘She’s back in with us. There’s nothing further to report but she’s back training with the team so she comes into contention for the weekend.’

Borggrafe was subsequently included in the Liverpool squad at the King Power Stadium, named among the substitutes but unused.

FA Rule E3 prohibits footballers from acting in a manner that is improper, brings the game into disrepute, or involves threatening, abusive, indecent, or insulting words or behaviour.

Should Borggrafe be found guilty, she could face sanctions ranging from suspensions and fines to mandatory education courses.