A teenager has been charged with racially harassing England defender Jess Carter on social media. Aaryan Aggarwal, 19, from Dickens Rise in Chigwell, Essex, is accused of sending a letter, communication, or article conveying an indecent or offensive message after a racist comment was allegedly posted on Instagram targeting the footballer.
Arrest and Charges
Aggarwal was arrested in September 2025 following a report of a racist post on the social media platform. He is now set to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to face the charges.
Jess Carter's Career
Jess Carter, 28, has earned over 50 caps for England, known as the Lionesses. She has played for Birmingham City and Chelsea before transferring to Gotham FC in New York. During her career, she has won the Women's Super League title five times and the Women's FA Cup three times. Carter was a key player in the Chelsea squad that finished second in the 2020/21 Women's Champions League. She also contributed to England's triumphs in the Women's Euros in 2022 and 2025, and was a finalist in the Women's World Cup in 2023.
Legal Proceedings
The charge relates to an offence under the Communications Act 2003, specifically sending by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene, or menacing character. According to Essex Police, the investigation was conducted by the force's online hate crime unit. A spokesperson said: "We take all reports of online abuse seriously and will take action against those who commit such offences."
Impact of Online Abuse
Racist abuse of footballers on social media has been a persistent issue in the UK. In recent years, several high-profile players have been targeted, leading to calls for stronger action from platforms and authorities. The case against Aggarwal highlights the legal consequences that can follow such behaviour.
