'Zero Tolerance' on Racism: Sheffield United Women forward Sophie Jones bags 5-match ban, quits football

Sheffield United forward Sophie Jones - Getty/EuroSport

Sophie Jones, Sheffield United women forward has bagged a five-match suspension after being found guilty of racially abusing Tottenham player Renee Hector.


Hector claimed she "received some monkey noises" from an opponent during a Championship match on 6 January.

27-year old Jones whose Blades deal has been terminated by mutual consent, has said she is "not guilty" and the "hearing took place in a kangaroo court".

She has also been fined £200 and must attend an educational course.

Defender Hector made the allegations in a social media post after Tottenham had beaten the Blades 2-1.

Spurs, who said the alleged incident was reported to the referee by Hector during the game, also reported it to the Football Association.

Hector said on Twitter: "There is no place for racism in our game."

"A zero tolerance policy is imperative in stamping this out from football therefore I welcome this verdict.

"No-one should be subjected to racist abuse on or off the pitch and I felt a responsibility to call it out for what it was."

The FA set up an independent panel to hear from both sides, with the charge of using abusive and/or insulting words - that included reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race - found proven.

Tottenham Ladies defender Renee Hector - SkySports

"The written reasons in the case will be published in due course, which will provide a detailed account of the evidence given and the findings of the Commission."

Sheffield United confirmed that Jones' contract, which was "due for review" at the end of the season, had been "terminated by mutual agreement".

In a statement, Jones has since suggested her football career is over altogether.

"It is with a heavy heart that I feel I am unable to continue within football and play under an organisation that I do not have any confidence in," she said.

In their own statement, the Blades added: "The club works closely with the English Football League, the FA and Kick it Out and would like to reiterate that it does not condone racism or any form of discrimination."
BBC Sport