West Ham's Hawa Cissoko addresses racist online abuse and playing style perceptions
Posted : 29 September 2023
West Ham defender Hawa Cissoko expressed her surprise at the racist abuse she received online following a Women's Super League match last season. The abuse occurred after she was sent off in October against Aston Villa due to an altercation with Sarah Mayling. Cissoko, a France international, had not encountered such abuse in women's football before and was taken aback by it.
She noted that those who targeted her with racist comments didn't even watch women's football games, which made the abuse more unsettling for her. Over time, she realized that some people are simply racist and will seize any opportunity to express their prejudice. This understanding helped her cope with the abuse and not take it personally.
Cissoko emphasized that social media companies can do more to protect users online. She believes there should be improved security measures to deter and punish those who engage in abusive behavior. Despite the negative experiences on social media, Cissoko chooses to ignore such comments, recognizing that they are not reflective of her true character.
Regarding her playing style, Cissoko acknowledged that her no-nonsense approach on the field has led to a perception of her as an "aggressive" player. However, she believes that she should stay true to her style, which includes being fast, strong, and powerful. Changing her game would not benefit her or her team.
She refuted the image of her as an overly aggressive player, citing her low number of fouls compared to other defenders. Cissoko expressed that she can maintain her composure on the pitch while playing her natural game.
In the end, she is determined to stay true to herself as a player and focus on her relationships with her teammates, coach, and family rather than being affected by online abuse or misperceptions about her playing style.
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