Lionesses star Leah Williamson hits out after Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds subjected to sexually inappropriate comments during FA Cup tie

Liverpool confirmed that Liverpool's vice captain Hinds was subjected to 'sexually inappropriate comments' by someone in the crowd at Meadow Park during their 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal at the weekend. The perpetrator was removed from the stadium, after Hinds and a team-mate raised a complaint, and now both clubs are investigating this matter further. England defender Williamson has also let rip at the culprit for their actions.

She wrote on Instagram: "This behaviour is not OK and there is absolutely no place for it in our environment. Not Taylor, not anybody, should have to put up with it!"

Instagram

Hinds said she will not let the actions of one individual ruin Liverpool's triumph but said it was "not ok" and was determined to "make a stand". The 25-year-old added that it was hard for her parents to realise what was going on and to find out what was "being shouted at their daughter".

She told Liverpool's website: “Yesterday (Sunday) was an intense game and emotions were high, including the fans, but that did not give anyone the right to subject me to that kind of behaviour while down from a head injury. I am there doing the job I love and to carry on playing with that in the back of my mind was hard. All current women’s players and I are playing the sport we love and should be able to do so without fearing such occurrences. Every young girl out there hoping and dreaming of becoming a footballer should know that she can do so safely and happily. I will not let the actions of one individual ruin what was a fantastic day for the team and our supporters, but it is not OK and I was determined to make a stand. It was hard for my mum and dad to not realise what was going on and to find out later what was being shouted at their daughter during a game of football. I’m doing fine and would like to thank my teammates and everyone at Liverpool for having my back, as well as the match officials for their swift actions, and everyone at Arsenal for their assertive actions and backing. Together we can continue to make our sport better both now and for the years to come.”

Arsenal and Liverpool will now pursue this matter further.

The former said in a statement: "We are investigating inappropriate comments made by an individual towards Liverpool's Taylor Hinds during our FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday. The supporter was ejected from the ground during the game after the incident was brought to our attention. Our investigation is ongoing with relevant stakeholders, and we offer our full support to Taylor throughout this time. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and discrimination of any kind and remain committed to taking strong action against such behaviour."