The Football Association (FA) has issued a strong condemnation after several members of the England women's national team were subjected to vile racist abuse online. The attacks come just days before the Lionesses' crucial Euro 2025 qualifying matches.
In an official statement, the FA described the abuse as "disgusting" and reaffirmed its commitment to fighting discrimination in all forms. "We stand with our players and will continue working with social media companies and authorities to identify and punish those responsible," the statement read.
Social Media Platforms Under Fire
The racist comments, which appeared across multiple platforms, have reignited debates about online accountability. Experts argue that while progress has been made, tech companies must do more to prevent such abuse before it happens rather than reacting after the fact.
Impact on Players
Though the FA hasn't named specific players affected, sources suggest multiple squad members received abusive messages. This follows a worrying trend of increased online harassment targeting women athletes, particularly those of color.
"No one should have to face this kind of hatred," said a spokesperson for Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organization. "The courage these players show in speaking out helps drive change, but the responsibility shouldn't fall on them to fix this."
Preparing for Euro 2025
The abuse comes at a critical moment as manager Sarina Wiegman finalizes preparations for upcoming qualifiers. The team remains focused on football, with players determined not to let the incidents distract from their sporting objectives.
Security measures have been reviewed, and additional support has been made available to squad members. The FA has also reminded players of reporting protocols for abusive content.
Call for Action
Former players and pundits have joined calls for stricter verification on social media and faster response times from platforms. Many are urging fans to report abusive content when they see it and continue supporting the team positively.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges football faces in combating racism, even as the women's game grows in popularity and visibility.
