England defender Jess Carter has disclosed that she has been subjected to racial abuse on social media during the Women’s European Championship, prompting the Football Association (FA) to contact UK police.
Carter came under intense criticism after England’s opening defeat to France at Euro 2025. While the team has since advanced to the semifinals, the 27-year-old revealed that the abuse she faced crossed a troubling line.
“From the beginning of the tournament, I have been receiving a significant amount of racial abuse,” Carter wrote in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday. “Though I respect fans’ right to voice their opinions about performances and results, targeting someone’s race or appearance is unacceptable.”
A seasoned player, Carter has earned 49 caps for England, contributing to the team’s Euro 2022 victory and their runner-up finish at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
She announced plans to step away from social media to protect her well-being. “I appreciate the genuine support from fans, but I’m stepping back to focus entirely on helping my team however I can,” she wrote.
The Football Association said it acted promptly once informed of the abuse.
“Our primary concern is Jess and ensuring she receives all necessary support,” said FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham. “We unequivocally condemn the vile racism she has endured. We immediately contacted UK police, who are working with the relevant social media platform to hold the perpetrators accountable.”
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Bullingham noted that the FA has rapid-response systems in place, sadly necessary because this is not the first incident of racist abuse involving an England player.
Carter’s England teammates quickly rallied around her online, sharing messages of solidarity. The Lionesses also issued a collective statement condemning the “online poison,” and announced they would no longer take the knee before matches, stating: “It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism.”
Defender Lucy Bronze explained the decision: “We questioned whether the gesture still sends a strong message. It doesn’t feel effective anymore if racism is still targeting our players during the biggest tournaments of their careers.”
She added, “We need to make a bigger statement. The problem persists—not just in football, but across society. More must be done.”
Carter, who now plays for Gotham FC in the United States after transferring from Chelsea last year, also received support from her club.
“We are devastated and angered by the racist abuse directed at Jess,” said Gotham FC in a statement. “Jess is more than a top-class footballer — she’s a role model and a leader in our community. There’s absolutely no room for racism in our sport.”
England will face Italy in the semifinals in Geneva on Tuesday, following their dramatic penalty shootout win over Sweden. Spain will take on Germany in the other semifinal on Wednesday.
Carter expressed hope that speaking out would lead to meaningful change: “If this encourages those spreading abuse to think twice, maybe others won’t have to go through the same. I’m proud to be part of a Lionesses squad that has brought about historic change, and I hope this step adds to that legacy.”
As Euro 2025 continues to captivate fans with thrilling matches and scenic Swiss venues, the tournament has also highlighted growing concerns over online abuse in women’s football.
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“The more the game grows, the more we seem to face this,” said Bronze. “While men’s football sees abuse in stadiums and online, women’s football appears to be especially targeted online. There must be a way to change that — the platforms can do something. I don’t have the solution, but I know one exists.”
Source: Agency