England defender Jess Carter has taken a stand against the vile racist abuse she faced on social media after the Lionesses' hard-fought Euro 2025 qualifier against Sweden. The Chelsea star, who played a crucial role in the 1-1 draw at Wembley, was targeted with offensive messages following the match.
Abuse Follows Competitive Clash
The incident occurred after Friday night's tense qualifier, where Carter's defensive partner Millie Bright scored a late equaliser to salvage a point for England. Despite the team's resilient performance, Carter became the latest footballer to suffer racist abuse online.
Player's Powerful Response
Carter didn't remain silent, sharing screenshots of the abusive messages with her 135,000 Instagram followers. The 26-year-old accompanied them with a simple yet powerful caption: "Never okay". Her post has since garnered widespread support from fans and fellow players alike.
Football's Ongoing Battle
This incident highlights the continuing problem of online abuse in football, particularly targeting women players. The Football Association has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, while social media platforms face increasing pressure to tackle hate speech more effectively.
Team Support and Next Steps
The Lionesses have rallied around their teammate as they prepare for Tuesday's crucial return fixture against Sweden in Gothenburg. Manager Sarina Wiegman has praised Carter's professionalism and resilience in the face of such adversity.
