England and Chelsea star Jess Carter has bravely spoken out about the racist abuse she faced during her career, admitting it left her "scared to play" at times.
The 25-year-old Lionesses defender revealed the emotional impact of the vile slurs, both online and in stadiums, describing how the constant barrage of hate affected her mental health and performance.
The Hidden Scars of Discrimination
Carter, who helped England win the 2022 Euros, explained how racist incidents would replay in her mind during matches: "There were moments I'd be on the pitch and suddenly remember something horrible someone had shouted or written. It made me question whether I even belonged in football."
A Call for Change
The footballer is now using her platform to demand:
- Stronger punishments for racist abuse in stadiums
- Better protection for players on social media
- Mandatory education programs in youth football
"We've made progress," Carter acknowledged, "but when young Black players still face what I did, we're failing them."
The Road to Recovery
Carter credits therapy and teammate support for helping her regain confidence. "Speaking out was terrifying but necessary," she said. "If one young player sees this and feels less alone, it's worth it."
