Jess Carter Distances Herself from Social Media
In a recent development at Euro 2025, Jess Carter, the English football defender, announced that she will be distancing herself from social media after facing significant racial abuse online since the tournament commenced. The 27-year-old athlete, who has played a crucial role in England’s matches, released a heartfelt statement on Instagram expressing her experiences of targeted abuse, stating:
“I have experienced a lot of racial abuse since the start of the tournament… while I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance, I don’t think it’s acceptable to target someone’s race or appearance.”
Focus on Mental Well-Being
Carter emphasized her need to protect her mental well-being and maintain her focus on supporting her team throughout the tournament. She expressed appreciation for those fans who have shown genuine support, hoping that her decision to speak out will encourage others to reconsider their actions.
Solidarity from the Lionesses
In solidarity with Carter, the entire Lionesses squad has declared their intention to discontinue the act of taking the knee before matches, a gesture they had previously used to symbolize their commitment to combating racism in football. As they prepare for their semifinal clash with Italy, the players affirmed:
“We stand with Jess and all Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism. It is unacceptable that while representing our country, any of us would face differing treatment because of skin color.”
FA’s Response
The Football Association (FA) has taken immediate action in response to this incident. Mark Bullingham, the FA CEO, announced that they have contacted the UK police regarding the abuse and are also communicating with social media platforms where the abuse took place to ensure accountability. He stated:
“Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs. We condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism.”
Addressing a Persistent Issue
This incident highlights a persistent issue within football and society, as Carter’s experience is not isolated – previous England players have faced similar abuse. The FA has been proactive in preparing measures to respond to such incidents more effectively and to provide necessary support for athletes.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Lionesses remain focused on their upcoming match, urging for collective efforts to address and eliminate racism within the sport.
