Liverpool goalkeeper banned for six matches after racism row

Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe has been handed a six-match ban by the Football Association following an investigation into a racism allegation, Liverpool coach Gareth Taylor has confirmed.

The sanction brings an end to a months-long disciplinary process and clears the way for the club to move forward.

The FA investigation was launched in September after reports emerged that Borggrafe had allegedly used discriminatory language towards a teammate, whose identity was not made public.

After completing what Taylor described as a “thorough investigation,” the FA ruled that the Liverpool goalkeeper should be suspended for six matches.

Providing an update ahead of Liverpool’s Women’s Super League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Taylor told reporters: “We have a slight update on the situation, in the sense that the FA has now completed its thorough investigation. They sanctioned the player with a six-game ban.”

Taylor confirmed that Borggrafe has already served the majority of the punishment, with the suspension running concurrently while Liverpool continued their league fixtures.

“That ban has been ongoing whilst we've been playing, so effectively she'll be out of the running to be included this weekend, but after that she is available for selection,” he added.

With five of the six matches already served, Borggrafe is set to return to contention shortly, marking the end of a difficult chapter for both player and club. Taylor stressed that Liverpool are keen to close the matter and focus fully on football matters.

“We're happy now that it's completed… we have some actual detail on what it looks like, and all of us can now move on,” the Liverpool coach said.

The 25-year-old joined Liverpool in July and has made three appearances in the Women’s Super League so far this season. Liverpool currently sit at the bottom of the WSL table and will be hoping to stabilise their campaign as the season progresses.

Borggrafe’s return could offer additional depth between the posts, but the episode serves as a reminder of the FA’s firm stance on discriminatory behaviour, with swift and decisive punishment when investigations are concluded.

With the men's team also struggling in the Premier League, the women's team will be disappointed not to offer some reprieve.