Sheffield player axed after racist abuse ban

Sheffield United have terminated the contract of Sophie Jones by mutual agreement after the forward was banned for five matches for racially abusing Tottenham defender Renee Hector.

Hector alleged she “received some monkey noises from an opposition player” during a Women’s Championship game at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium in January, leading to Jones being charged by the Football Association.

Jones denied the claim and the Blades said in a statement she “maintains her innocence”, but an independent regulatory commission said the charge was “found proven”.

Sheffield United immediately announced the departure of Jones from the club following the FA’s ruling.

The club said: “Jones maintains her innocence and is disappointed with the FA’s decision.

“The club works closely with the EFL, the FA and Kick it Out and would like to reiterate that it does not condone racism or any form of discrimination.

“Following dialogue between the club and Jones, and taking into account the length of the suspension, it has been decided that her contract, which was due for review in the summer, will be terminated by mutual agreement.”

Hector said in her tweet after the game, which Tottenham won 2-1: “Such a shame that racism seems to be rising up again in football - I received some monkey noises today from an opposition player.”