England defender Jess Carter has bravely spoken out about the racist abuse she endured after the Lionesses' triumphant Euro 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old Chelsea star, a key figure in England's success, revealed the vile messages she received on social media following the tournament.
A Triumph Marred by Hate
Despite helping England secure their second consecutive European Championship, Carter's joy was overshadowed by disgusting racist remarks. "It's heartbreaking to achieve something so special and then face that kind of hatred," Carter told reporters. "We should be celebrating our success, not dealing with this nonsense."
The Ongoing Battle Against Online Abuse
The talented defender called for social media platforms and football authorities to take stronger action:
- Verification requirements for all users
- Faster response times for reporting abuse
- Harsher penalties for offenders
"We've made so much progress in women's football, but this shows we still have a long way to go," Carter added. Her teammates have rallied around her, with captain Leah Williamson describing the abuse as "completely unacceptable."
Football's Response
The Football Association has condemned the abuse and pledged to work with social media companies to identify the perpetrators. A spokesperson said: "We stand with Jess and all players who face discrimination. This has no place in our game or society."
As women's football continues to grow in popularity, Carter's experience highlights the urgent need for better protection for players against online hate.
