Sports

Renee Hector: Kick It Out's Troy Townsend says Spurs player has been 'victimised'


Spurs said Renee Hector reported the incident with Sophie Jones to the match referee during the game with Sheffield United

Tottenham Ladies defender Renee Hector has been “victimised” since reporting racial abuse against her in January, says Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend.

Sheffield United forward Sophie Jones was banned for five games on Wednesday after being found guilty of the offence during a Championship match.

Hector claimed she “received some monkey noises” from an opponent.

“Last night she received an image of a monkey on her social media account,” Townsend told BBC Radio 4.

“Sometimes I don’t think we appreciate the wellbeing of someone who’s done a brave thing.”

Jones, 27, 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, must attend an educational course and suggested in a statement that her football career is over altogether following the verdict.

After Jones’ punishment was announced, Hector said