MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) — Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola pointed the finger at political discourse after Khadija Shaw, star of the club’s women’s team, was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse online.

Shaw sat out City’s League Cup semi-final win over Arsenal on Thursday after receiving the abuse in the aftermath of a 3-4 Women’s Super League (WSL) defeat to the Gunners four days previously.

Sky Sports reported the Jamaica international, who is the WSL’s top goalscorer, missed the match to protect her mental well-being.

“We would be lucky if this was just in world football. Unfortunately, it’s in the whole entire world,” Guardiola said when asked about the consistent racial abuse faced by footballers on Friday.

“Look to the politicians. What they say about this country is better than the other ones, or the other ones are not important.

“Unfortunately it is all around the world, and football is another expression — not just for the fact that you are a woman, or you are a different skin colour and that makes you better. As I get older it’s really more difficult for me to understand that people can defend these stupid things.

“I support her, like I support all people who receive abuse in terms of racism, gender.”

City released a statement on Tuesday condemning the “disgusting treatment” the club’s record goalscorer had received.

“We left yesterday and weren’t able to bring her with us on the journey,” said City women’s boss Gareth Taylor after Thursday’s match.

“It’s really difficult for me to analyse. Who knows what goes on in that world? When you’re affected by things like that it’s really, really difficult.

“I’ve not had time to have a good conversation with her about it but she knows and needs to know that the whole club are behind her in this.”