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England's Jess Carter reveals racial abuse at Euro 2025, FA has contacted police

England's Jess Carter reveals racial abuse at Euro 2025, FA has contacted police

NBC Newsa day ago
ZURICH — England defender Jess Carter says she has been subject to racial abuse online at the Women's European Championship.
Carter came in for a lot of criticism for her performance during England's opening loss to France.
And some of that has crossed the line even as the 27-year-old and the Lionesses have reached the semifinals at Euro 2025.
'From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse,' Carter wrote in an emotional post on Instagram on Sunday. 'Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don't agree or think it's ok to target someone's appearance or race.'
Carter has made 49 appearances for England and was part of the victorious Euro 2022 squad as well as an integral part of the team that finished runner-up to Spain at the World Cup the following year.
She says she will be taking a step back from social media.
'As ever I am grateful for all of the support from the genuine fans but I am taking this measure to protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team anyway I can,' Carted added.
Carter's teammates immediately responded to her Instagram post with messages of support.
The Football Association has contacted police back in the United Kingdom.
'Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs,' FA CEO Mark Bullingham said. 'We strongly condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism.
'As soon as we were made aware of the racist abuse Jess received, we immediately contacted UK police. They are in touch with the relevant social media platform, and we are working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice.'
Bullingham added that the FA had measures in place to respond quickly as 'regrettably, this is not the first time this has happened to an England player.'
Carter plays her club soccer for Gotham FC in the United States, having joined from Chelsea a year ago.
'We are heartbroken and outraged by the racist abuse directed at Jess Carter. Jess is not only a world-class football player — she is a role model, a leader and a valued part of our Gotham FC family,' the New York area-based team said in a statement.
'At Gotham, we believe in a culture of mutual respect and remain committed to building a game — and a community — where everyone feels safe, respected and celebrated. There is no place for racism in our sport.'
England plays Italy in the semifinals on Tuesday in Geneva, after a dramatic comeback against Sweden last week saw the Lionesses win a chaotic penalty shootout. The other semifinal pits Spain against Germany on Wednesday.
'Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it,' Carter said. 'We have made some historic changes with this Lionesses squad that I am so proud to be part of and my hope is that by speaking out about this it will make another positive change for all.
'I'm now looking forward and focusing on putting all my energy into helping my team.'
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Peter Kyle warns racists there's 'nowhere to hide' after Lioness Jess Carter faces vile abuse
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Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has warned racists they have 'nowhere to hide on the internet' after England player Jess Carter faced a torrent of abuse online during the Euros Peter Kyle has warned racists they have "nowhere to hide on the internet' after England player Jess Carter faced a torrent of abuse online. ‌ The Technology Secretary told cowardly perpetrators to 'pipe down' until they're representing their country on the international stage, adding: 'At which point, maybe your voice will be worth a bit more.' He described Carter as a 'national hero' and said he was 'deeply regretful' she had faced sickening messages online. ‌ 'I'm deeply regretful she's had to experience this. It's an ugly facet of modern online life that some parts of social media incentivise the worst in people and society, not the best,' he said. ‌ Asked for his message to the abusers, Mr Kyle added: 'How about you just pipe down until you're representing England on the international stage? At which point, maybe your voice will be worth a bit more.' Over the weekend, Carter spoke out about the racial abuse she has received during the Lionesses' Euro 2025 campaign. Her teammates rallied around her, saying in a statement: "No one should have to endure such vile abuse." ‌ The team also confirmed it would ditch taking the knee before kick-off in their semi-final match against Italy today, as they said it is "clear" football needs another way to tackle racism. The FA confirmed it has contacted the police over the abuse, with officers now in touch with the relevant social media platform. Speaking to The Mirror on Monday, Mr Kyle said racism is illegal online, as it is offline, as race is a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act. But he admitted the Tories watering down the Online Safety Act hadn't helped the situation on the internet. He took aim at now-Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch, who in 2022 warned against 'legislating for hurt feelings' in criticism of the proposed law. But Mr Kyle said police have the power to track down those who are racist online - often to the surprise of abusers when they receive a knock on the door from an officer. He said: 'Race is a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act. Racism is illegal online and offline. ‌ 'There is nowhere to hide on the internet. People think there is, but there's not. So if you think that you can keep quiet about your racism in the street but propagate it online, you are wrong and this department and this government expects racism to be tackled whenever and wherever it expresses itself.' He continued: 'Some people think that life online is consequence free and that's what we have to change. Platforms have to do better but there's a lot of human beings who need to do better as they're the ones generating this content." ‌ Elsewhere Reform UK Nigel Farage earlier suggested punishment for racism should be weakened. Asked by The Mirror whether racism on social media should be taken seriously, Mr Farage said: "Abuse on social media is rife... you can have my account for a day if you like." He continued: "Of course there's a limit to free speech, people should have their wrist slapped if they behave like that." Meanwhile Reform councillor Laila Cunningham, who joined Mr Farage at a press conference yesterday, said: "Once you're a public figure, once you speak out - whether you're public or not - it just comes with the game sadly. But it's not a crime."

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