Lucy Bronze has warned social media companies that footballers can “thrive” without their platforms, following the racist online abuse directed at England team-mate Jess Carter during Euro 2025. Carter has announced she will step back from social media, while Lotte Wubben-Moy said she would no longer “feed the very platforms that enable this abuse with no consequence” for the rest of the tournament.
Bronze expressed sadness that Carter, who she described as one of England’s best players in the victory over the Netherlands, would miss out on celebrating with supporters. “No player needs social media,” said Bronze. “We play football because we love the sport. We do love connecting with our fans, but we don’t need it. It is sad that players are having to choose between this roller-coaster that social media sends us on.”
Football Association chief Mark Bullingham confirmed the abuse has been referred to UK police, who are in touch with the relevant platform. The FA said it will continue to discuss with authorities and social media companies what more can be done to tackle the issue.
The Lionesses have also agreed not to take the knee before Tuesday’s semi-final against Italy in Geneva, opting instead to remain standing as a squad. A team statement said they want to find “another way to tackle racism”. Bronze acknowledged progress since Colin Kaepernick’s protest but insisted “not enough is being done”, adding: “We don’t want small steps anymore. We want change, and it’s unacceptable that this continues.”
