Latest news with #JessCarter
New York Post
3 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Jess Carter ‘itching' to return to Gotham on heels of Euro tumult
Jess Carter could have been in England, participating in the celebrations following the Lionesses' triumph in the European Women's Championship and decompressing from what was a harrowing international tournament for the veteran defender. Instead, she hurried back to rejoin her Gotham teammates before they resume the NWSL season Friday night against the Stars in suburban Chicago. 'I was just itching to get back. I want to be part of this team, helping this team win games,' Carter said Thursday. 'I'm really happy at Gotham, and I feel really comfortable around the team and around the girls, so I just wanted to get back to this environment.' Carter spoke out about the racial abuse she endured during the Euros, and said she would take a break from social media. 'Hopefully, speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it,' Carter said in a statement. Carter had been involved in allowing both goals as Sweden took a 2-0 lead before England's dramatic comeback in the quarterfinals. She did not start in the semifinals and played just one minute as a late substitute. 3 Jessica Carter defender of England and Gotham FC during the UEFA Womens EURO 2025 quarterfinal match between Sweden and England at Stadion Letzigrund on July 17, 2025 in Zurich, Switzerland. NurPhoto via Getty Images But she made a surprise return to the starting XI for the final at center back and was instrumental in helping shut down a brilliant Spain team (including Gotham teammate Esther González) before England won on penalty kicks. Gotham general manager Yael Averbuch West said the team was in regular contact with Carter while she was abroad to share mental health resources and to let her know 'there's a strong contingent in New Jersey ready to fight on her behalf.' 3 Stina Blackstenius of Sweden (left) plays against Jessica Carter of England (right) during the UEFA Womens EURO 2025 quarterfinal match. Getty Images 'To see her persevere and play so well in that final game and then be crowned champion with England — she's incredibly deserving and such an important part of our team,' Averbuch West told The Post. 'Seeing Jess succeed went far beyond the game, and it was such an important moment.' Gotham last played June 21, winning a second straight match to move into eighth place in the NWSL standings, before the league took a six-week hiatus. 3 Gotham FC defender Jess Carter (27) passes the ball in front of San Diego Wave FC midfielder KImmi Ascanio (17) during the first half on May 16. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Katie Stengel, a member of Gotham's 2023 championship squad, was acquired from England's Crystal Palace for the rest of the season, the team announced Thursday. Also this week, Gotham agreed to a one-year contract extension with defender Bruninha that takes her through the 2027 season.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jess Carter on missing Euros celebrations: It was my decision to return to club side Gotham
England's Jess Carter says it was her decision to return to her National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club side Gotham and therefore miss out on the Euro 2025 victory celebrations in London. The 27-year-old defender was part of Sarina Wiegman's England side that won a second consecutive Euros title in Switzerland this month, but while the squad celebrated with fans in London on Tuesday, Carter was already back in the U.S. preparing for Gotham's game with Chicago Stars on Saturday. In a post on Instagram, Carter said she could not be prouder of her role in the Lionesses' Euro 2025 victory. 'The drive and determination this team has shown to stick together has been amazing. I can't thank my teammates, coaches, friends and family enough for everything they have done this tournament to support me and keep me going right to the end,' the post read. 'To the fans, I heard you loud and clear these past couple of games. Your messages of support have not gone unnoticed and I am truly grateful for you all.' But she added: 'Gotham has quickly become a family and a team to me that I truly enjoy being part of so coming back to them straight away to prep for our upcoming game was a decision I made myself, which is why I wasn't present at the celebrations back in England. Thank you to both England and Gotham for supporting me in that decision.' NWSL club Gotham said in a statement that every player competing in major international tournaments over the past month had been offered time off following the completion of those events and confirmed that Carter made her own decision to return to New Jersey and join up with the team. Carter was subjected to racial abuse during the European Championship. Posting on social media before the semi-final against Italy, Carter said on social media that from the start of the tournament, she had 'experienced a lot of racial abuse' and hopes raising the issues 'will make the people writing this abuse think twice so others don't have to deal with it'. England made the decision not to take the knee before the victory over Italy as mark of solidarity with Carter. The team said their gesture, which they have been doing along with many other clubs around the world in protest of racism and police brutality after the killing of George Floyd in 2020, had lost its meaning and impact, stating 'it is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism.' The gesture follows that made by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016 when he knelt during the traditional playing of the U.S. national anthem before a game, protesting against racial injustice. Carter added in her post on Tuesday: 'I'll end this by saying hate will never win! There never has been and there never will be room for racism. Every player that puts on that England shirt does their best to represent our country at the highest level and no player or person should feel hesitant to do that because of the colour of their skin. I will continue to work with social media platforms and other organisations to find a way to make everyday society a place that is inclusive for all.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. England, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Jess Carter on missing Euros celebrations: It was my decision to return to club side Gotham
England's Jess Carter says it was her decision to return to her National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club side Gotham and therefore miss out on the Euro 2025 victory celebrations in London. The 27-year-old defender was part of Sarina Wiegman's England side that won a second consecutive Euros title in Switzerland this month, but while the squad celebrated with fans in London on Tuesday, Carter was already back in the U.S. preparing for Gotham's game with Chicago Stars on Saturday. Advertisement In a post on Instagram, Carter said she could not be prouder of her role in the Lionesses' Euro 2025 victory. 'The drive and determination this team has shown to stick together has been amazing. I can't thank my teammates, coaches, friends and family enough for everything they have done this tournament to support me and keep me going right to the end,' the post read. 'To the fans, I heard you loud and clear these past couple of games. Your messages of support have not gone unnoticed and I am truly grateful for you all.' But she added: 'Gotham has quickly become a family and a team to me that I truly enjoy being part of so coming back to them straight away to prep for our upcoming game was a decision I made myself, which is why I wasn't present at the celebrations back in England. Thank you to both England and Gotham for supporting me in that decision.' A post shared by Jess Carter (@_jesslcarter) NWSL club Gotham said in a statement that every player competing in major international tournaments over the past month had been offered time off following the completion of those events and confirmed that Carter made her own decision to return to New Jersey and join up with the team. Carter was subjected to racial abuse during the European Championship. Posting on social media before the semi-final against Italy, Carter said on social media that from the start of the tournament, she had 'experienced a lot of racial abuse' and hopes raising the issues 'will make the people writing this abuse think twice so others don't have to deal with it'. England made the decision not to take the knee before the victory over Italy as mark of solidarity with Carter. The team said their gesture, which they have been doing along with many other clubs around the world in protest of racism and police brutality after the killing of George Floyd in 2020, had lost its meaning and impact, stating 'it is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism.' The gesture follows that made by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016 when he knelt during the traditional playing of the U.S. national anthem before a game, protesting against racial injustice. Carter added in her post on Tuesday: 'I'll end this by saying hate will never win! There never has been and there never will be room for racism. Every player that puts on that England shirt does their best to represent our country at the highest level and no player or person should feel hesitant to do that because of the colour of their skin. I will continue to work with social media platforms and other organisations to find a way to make everyday society a place that is inclusive for all.'
Metro
3 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Why England hero Jess Carter decided to miss Euro 2025 trophy parade
Lionesses defender Jess Carter was a surprise absentee from England's Euro 2025 trophy parade. Around 65,000 fans and members of the Royal Family attended England's joyous trophy parade in London on Tuesday afternoon. The England squad, which retained their Euros title with a penalty shootout win over Spain, was taken along The Mall in an open-top bus. The players then gathered on a stage in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace where the merriment continued. All but one of England's Euro-winning squad attended the parade, with Carter a surprise absentee following her crucial performance in the final. There had been scrutiny over Carter's place in the team earlier in the tournament but she justified Sarina Wiegman's faith with an impressive performance against World Cup holders Spain. As well as missing the trophy parade in central London, Carter also missed the England squad's visit to Downing Street on Monday evening. That is because the 27-year-old immediately flew back to the United States after the Euro 2025 final to prepare for another game. Carter's club side Gotham FC return to NWSL action on Saturday with an away match against Chicago Stars. According to talkSPORT, it was Carter's decision not her club's to return straightaway, even though it meant missing two days of celebration back in the UK. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video That appears to be the case as fellow England players Esme Morgan and Anna Moorhouse, who also play club football in America, attended the parade. Carter's decision to miss the celebrations divided England fans, with many saying it was a shame she was not involved after helping the Lionesses become two-time European champions. 'Jess Carter deserves to be there,' one fan posted on X with a crying emoji, while another said: 'I so wish Jess Carter was there to feel the love too.' Others said it was an example of 'elite mentality' from Carter, though there were also complaints about the congested football calendar which gives little time for breaks, even after major tournaments. Carter revealed she would be 'taking a step back from social media' during Euro 2025 due to the racist abuse she was suffering. 'From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse,' said Carter, who is yet to post following England's Euros victory. 'While 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. 'As a result of this I will be taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with.' That abuse – plus the prospect of playing in a Euros final – left Carter 'scared' to even play in Sunday's showpiece event in Basel. 'I was super scared to play today for the first time in my life,' Carter told ITV after the match. 'But when I woke up and I saw my team, and the support I had and the belief I had from my teammates, my family and my manager, I knew I could just come out and give it my all. That's all you can do. 'To have that faith from Sarina to put me back in the squad, and that she believed I could help this team win a trophy, was amazing. It gave me a lot of confidence going into this game.' More Trending Speaking at England's trophy parade, Lionesses captain Leah Williamson said: 'I've been crying all the way down The Mall! 'This is unbelievable, probably one of the best things we've been a part of. We're making history every single step. Stay with us, this story is not done yet.' Chloe Kelly, who scored England's winning penalty against Spain, added: 'This is incredible. Pressure, what pressure? 'It is so good to stand side by side with every single one of these girls throughout the whole tournament, and the staff that you don't see behind the scenes.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: 'What is Sarina doing?!' – Ian Wright 'baffled' by Wiegman decision in Euro 2025 final MORE: Legendary Lioness hero 'tipped for glittering TV career' after Euros 2025 win MORE: When is the next Women's World Cup and where is it being held?
CBC
3 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
As women's sports grows, so do the threats to racialized athletes
This past weekend, both the Women's Euros and the Women's African Cup of Nations crowned new champions, with England and Nigeria, respectively, emerging victorious. For the WEuros, hosted in Switzerland, 29 of 31 matches were sold out, setting a record for overall attendance with more than 650,000 tickets sold. The African finals, held in Rabat, Morocco, saw views and engagement online skyrocket from previous tournaments, largely because of partnerships with YouTube, TikTok and X. Prize money has increased and merchandise is flying off the shelves. On this side of the pond, as the new Northern Super League advances boldly into the second half of the season, we can feel the energy and the power of the movement that is global women's soccer. But not all is coming up roses. There were deplorable instances of racism and misogyny around the WEuros and it begs the question, with the growth of women's soccer, do we also see a burgeoning cloud of racism expanding overhead? With all the growth and attention, does it come with heightened forms of abuse in women's sport? This has been reported on with respect to the WNBA, and reporting shows that there is a " darker vibe shift" in women's sports spaces. Discussions of safety protocols and strategies should be top of mind. Jess Carter of England's Lionesses and NWSL's Gotham FC posted online that she was stepping away from social media because of the rampant racist and misogynistic abuse she received after England lost their first match against France. The national team rallied around her and there was a sweep of support online for Carter and other Black players. The issue isn't only singling out a particular player for their ill-perceived performance. It's that attacks on racialized women will often be layered with misogynoir, xenophobia, and a litany of other societal cancers. The English squad has only a few of Black women, one of which, Michelle Aygemang, was hailed as the "super sub" because in two playoff matches, she came off the bench and scored the game-winning goals. Despite those achievements, people noticed that King Charles's statement of support ahead of the final omitted Aygemang's face completely. I spoke with Liz Mary Ward, who works with UEFA and other football organizations on diversity and inclusion, about what can be done to eradicate racism in the women's soccer ecosystem. "If Black and Brown people are already undervalued by society, and this is compounded by the media, I think that creates a base-level of injustice that provides a fertile breeding ground for hate," Ward said. "When cultural commentators point out these very low-level micro aggressions, they are often met immediately with anger, defensiveness, or cries of reverse-racism, which tends to very quickly end in racist comments and threats." I can certainly add that racialized women columnists also get intense levels of abusive emails or messages if they speak out against racism or toxic cultures within sport. It almost feels unjust that as women's sport grows and continues to thrive, we see increased hatred hurled at women. Are the league and governing bodies prepared to manage this onslaught of abuses? FIFA recently decided to cancel anti-racism messaging at the men's Club World Cup venues in the U.S. just weeks before the women's tournaments. Would it set a precedent? Minky Warden of Human Rights Watch said, "Any cancellation of FIFA's well-established campaigns to eradicate hateful actions in sport is an inexplicable and inexcusable step backward." During the NSL pre-season, Montreal Roses player Latifah Abd posted to her Instagram story about receiving abuse steeped in misogynoir. The NSL responded immediately. I reached out to FIFA, UEFA, Canada Soccer and the NSL to ask whether they had a sense of accountability, and any policies and strategies to eradicate racism in women's sport. The NSL said it fosters a positive environment in the stadiums, and enforces codes of conduct for fans, employees and players, and a third-party reporting system of violations of policies. Canada Soccer said it needed more time to properly respond, but In the past it has offered anti-racism literacy and action learnings and workshops in the past. According to its website, Canada Soccer has an "ongoing commitment to amplify the stories of our Black athletes and leaders." UEFA responded with a long list of policies and practices consisting of awareness, engagement and actions — including their partnership with Fare's match observer program. In 2021, UEFA approved a human rights commitment and, almost ironically, UEFA said "a human rights declaration issued in March 2025, under which the Swiss federal government, host cities, the Swiss Football Association and UEFA made a joint declaration to respect, protect and promote human rights at this summer's UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament." FIFA said their policies and practices, including the FIFA Social Media Protection service which filters online abuse, protect players, teams and officials. UEFA has a similar program. I am not aware whether Carter or Abdu registered for these programs. Online abuse can often muddy the waters because it's difficult to track commenters down and penalize them or hold them accountable. There should be lifetime bans from soccer events and matches for racist abuse in stadiums and online. The reality is that despite all the well-intentioned programs in the world, racialized and misogynist hatred can fester. One can have a barrage of policies and practice but whether they are effective remains to be seen. Much of this boils down to the human aspect: action and reaction from us — whether we are on the pitch, in the press box or in the stands. "How we all learn from moments like this is key," Ward said. "And supporters taking time to learn about different communities' experiences within their environments is key to creating a culture that is more inclusive. Learn about racist dog whistles, learn about your own biases, and become absolutely dedicated to always calling out injustice."
