Liverpool's Borggrafe investigated over racism claim

Rafaela Borggrafe spent eight years at SC Freiburg in Germany

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

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

It is not known what words 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.

Asked about the situation in his media conference later on Friday, Taylor said: "The club has made a statement and we're being really helpful and respectful of the process you have to go through.

"We're working alongside the FA while that process continues. We dealt with it in the appropriate manner. Of course, as a club, it is something we don't stand for.

"We have to be respectful of the process and everyone has been really supportive in that sense."

Taylor confirmed Borggrafe is eligible to face Aston Villa this weekend unless the FA come to a conclusion prior to Sunday's league game (12:00 BST).

Asked if the situation could disrupt the strong culture of the playing group, Taylor said: "It's a joined-up culture and one that's come from [the players]. Of course, we want to make it stronger and stronger, and a culture that is really respected.

"We don't see any huge disruption in that sense. Players are aware of what's happening and they understand the process we have to go through."

Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed