Jess Carter has thanked England fans for their “unbelievable support” after revealing she had been racially abused on social media during Euro 2025. The Lionesses defender said if her decision to speak up stopped just one instance of abuse then it would have been worth it.
Carter stated on Sunday that she was stepping away from social media because of what her teammates labelled as “online poison” aimed at her throughout the tournament. Before the extra-time win against Italy on Tuesday, England’s substitutes stood arm-in-arm with Carter on the sideline to show their support after deciding not to take the knee before kick-off.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Carter said: “I totally understand everyone has got their own opinions on how we play. Trust me, no one is more disappointed in some of my performances than what I am, but the colour of my skin has got nothing to do with that. It’s been pretty tough. Racism is still going on and we’re just here to do our job to the best of our ability and hopefully bring success back to England.”
In support of Carter, Labour MP Matt Western revealed that 91 MPs had co-signed a letter calling on social media companies to combat the “appalling racism and misogyny” directed at the defender. Carter, who grew up in Western’s constituency and played for Warwick Juniors, told Hayters TV: “I’ve got mixed-race nephews and nieces. I want them to grow up being strong, brave and powerful and believe that they can do whatever they want to do.”
Carter, who won her 50th international cap as a late substitute on Tuesday, also expressed pride in England’s performance, saying: “The way our team just keeps fighting until the end of every single game just shows the character that we have in this team.”
