Liverpool’s Rafaela Borggrafe investigated by FA for alleged racist remark

The Football Association is investigating Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe for allegedly using discriminatory language towards a team-mate.

The incident, which is believed to be an alleged racist remark, took place during Liverpool’s pre-season training camp.

It is not known what the words were that Borggrafe is alleged to have said about, or to, the unnamed team-mate.

The 25-year-old joined Liverpool from SC Freiburg in the summer and has yet to make an appearance, although she played in pre-season friendlies.

She was not in the squad for Liverpool’s opening weekend defeat by Everton at Anfield but returned to be an unused substitute in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Leicester.

Manager Gareth Taylor told BBC Sport following the game with Everton that Borggrafe’s absence was an “internal issue” and the club confirmed she had returned to Germany, missing several training sessions.

Borggrafe is now back in Merseyside and was set to be involved in training on Friday, having taken part in a session last week.

The club have followed FA protocols which means she will be involved unless informed otherwise by the governing body.

In a statement given by the club, Liverpool said: “LFC 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.”

BBC Sport has contacted the FA for a comment.