Tom Hamilton
Zurich – England defender Jess Carter recently revealed that she faced racial abuse during Euro 2025, leading her to step away from social media for the remainder of the tournament.
The Lionesses collectively declared their stance against racism, emphasizing that both football and society must find more effective ways to combat this issue. They stated that they will continue to take a knee before games until a change occurs.
The FA’s CEO Mark Bringham announced that they will reach out to UK law enforcement to ensure that the individual responsible for this hate crime is held accountable.
Carter, who has played in all four of England’s Euro 2025 matches and was a key player during Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, has experienced a significant amount of racist harassment online since the tournament kicked off.
On Instagram, Carter shared, “I’ve encountered considerable racial abuse since the tournament began. While every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance, it’s unacceptable to comment on someone’s appearance or race. Therefore, I will be stepping back from social media during this time to concentrate on supporting my team.”
She expressed gratitude for the genuine support from fans, stating her priority is to protect her well-being while continuing to contribute to the team’s efforts.
Carter noted, “This Lioness team has made historical progress, and I’m proud to be part of it. Discussing these issues can lead to positive changes for everyone.”
Support for Carter has come from UEFA and UK Prime Minister Kielstama, who expressed solidarity in a social media post, declaring that racism has no place in football or society.
The Lionesses initially knelt in unison before matches to convey their anti-racism message but plan to stand together in their upcoming semi-final against Italy. They declared, “We support Jess and all past and present Lioness players who face racism. No one should be subjected to such abusive treatment in football or in life.”
They further expressed, “It’s a privilege to represent our country, and it’s unacceptable for anyone to be treated differently based on their skin color. Throughout this tournament, we’ve chosen to kneel, but it’s clear that both we and the sport need to discover new methods to confront racism.”
The Lionesses asserted their intention to shift focus back to the semi-finals while ensuring the FA is collaborating with the UK police and the appropriate agencies.
– Women’s Euro 2025 bracket, results, equipment schedule
– Hamilton: The distinction in Hampton’s confrontations
Bringham confirmed that the FA is in contact with Carter about the social media incidents and has reported them to the police. “Our main focus is Jess, and we are committed to supporting her fully,” he stated. “We strongly condemn the individual responsible for this abhorrent racism.
“As soon as we were alerted to the racist abuse aimed at Jess, we contacted UK law enforcement, who have connected with the relevant social media platforms to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice.
“Sadly, this isn’t the first instance of such abuse directed at an English player, so we had protocols in place to respond quickly and support the police investigation as best we can.
“We’ll continue discussions with the right authorities and social media companies to explore further measures that can be taken to prevent this unacceptable abuse.”
“We are deeply saddened, angry, and outraged by the racist abuse directed at Jess Carter. Jess is not only a world-class athlete but also a role model and key member of our Gotham FC family,” said Gotham FC, Carter’s national team.
“At Gotham, we advocate a culture of mutual respect and are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. There is no room for racism in our sport. We stand in solidarity with Jess and appreciate the support she has received from the Lioness team and the English Football Association during the UEFA Women’s Championship.”
“It’s disheartening to see this despicable racial abuse resurfacing in yet another tournament,” lamented England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy. “This issue transcends sports.”
Fan Take: This news underscores the urgent need for systemic change in football to combat racism effectively. As soccer fans, witnessing players and organizations unite against such discrimination can inspire hope for a more inclusive and respectful environment in the sport.
