England Condemns Racist Abuse Aimed at Jess Carter During Euro 2025

In a significant response to racial abuse directed at player Jess Carter during the ongoing Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, the England football team has condemned the "online poison" that has marred the tournament. Following revelations from Carter about the racial vitriol she has faced after England's opening match defeat to France, the Football Association (FA) has declared a shift in its approach to combating racism in football. The decision comes alongside the announcement that the team will cease taking a knee before matches, stating, "football needs to find another way to tackle racism."

Carter, a 27-year-old defender, revealed her experiences of racial abuse on social media, emphasizing the inappropriateness of targeting individuals based on their race or appearance. In her Instagram statement, Carter noted, "From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse." This prompted her to take a step back from social media to focus on her well-being while allowing her team to address the issue more broadly.

The Lionesses collectively expressed their outrage and solidarity with Carter, stating, "Representing our country is the greatest honour. It is not right that while we are doing that, some of us are treated differently simply because of the colour of our skin." Lucy Bronze, a fellow player, articulated the team's sentiment, questioning whether the gesture of taking a knee was still impactful given the persistent racism faced by players in such high-stakes environments.

The FA is collaborating with law enforcement to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for the abuse directed at Carter. Chief Executive Mark Bullingham stated, "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." This proactive stance is part of a broader commitment to addressing racism not just in football, but in society at large.

The issue of online abuse has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including Kick It Out, a leading anti-racism organization in football, which supported Carter’s decision to prioritize her mental health. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also voiced his support, stating, "There is no place for racism in football or anywhere in society. I stand with Jess, the Lionesses, and any players who have suffered racism, on and off the pitch."

UEFA, the governing body of European football, echoed these sentiments, affirming that "abuse and discrimination should never be tolerated, whether in football or society, in person or online." This stance has been mirrored by Carter's club, Gotham FC, which expressed their outrage over the incident, highlighting their commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.

As the Lionesses prepare for their semi-final against Italy, Jess Carter remains focused on her role in the team, expressing gratitude towards supportive fans. "Hopefully, speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won’t have to deal with it," she remarked, illustrating her hope for positive change in the sport. This incident has not only highlighted the ongoing struggle against racism in sports but also underscores the need for systemic change within both football and society as a whole.