England defender Carter targeted by racist abuse during Euro 2025
England defender Jess Carter said she has been the target of online racist abuse since Euro 2025 began in Switzerland, and announced on Sunday that she is stepping away from social media for the duration of the tournament.
“Whilst every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don’t agree or think that it’s ok to target someone’s appearance or race,” Carter, who is Black, posted in a lengthy Instagram statement.
“I am taking this measure to protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team anyway I can.
“Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won’t have to deal with it.”
The 27-year-old has started all four of England’s games at the tournament, but struggled in their quarter-final win over Sweden on Thursday as the Lionesses conceded two first-half goals.
England play Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Geneva, and while they traditionally take a knee before matches — including their four matches so far in Switzerland, as a symbolic gesture against racism — they will not do so on Tuesday.
“It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism, we have agreed as a squad to remain standing before kickoff on Tuesday,” the team said in a statement. “Those behind the online poison must be held accountable.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted his support for Carter on X.
“There is no place for racism in football or anywhere in society,” Starmer said. “I stand with Jess, the Lionesses, and any players who have suffered racism, on and off the pitch.”
Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham condemned the abuse, and said the FA has been in contact with UK police, who are in touch with the relevant social media platform, to “ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice,” he said.
“Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs,” Bullingham said in a statement. “We strongly condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism.
“Regrettably this is not the first time this has happened to an England player.”
The England players and staff met on Saturday to discuss the issue, with defender Lucy Bronze saying the resounding feeling among the team was anger.
“We all know that any player of colour who’s played for England has probably gone through racist abuse,” Bronze said in an emotional press conference, at times fighting back tears.
Reuters
