ZURICH (Reuters) - 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 quarterfinal win over Sweden on Thursday as the Lionesses conceded two first-half goals.
“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.”
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.
Carter’s teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy said in an Instagram post that she planned to come off social media as well.
European soccer’s governing body UEFA, Carter’s club Gotham FC, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the Lionesses all also posted statements in support of the player.
Five people were arrested after England players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were racially abused online following their men’s Euro 2020 final defeat.