Former England international Lianne Sanderson has spoken out against the "vile" online abuse targeting defender Jess Carter after the Lionesses' recent Euro 2025 qualifier against Sweden.
The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, saw Carter substituted at half-time, leading to a torrent of cruel comments on social media. Sanderson, now a respected pundit, didn't hold back in her criticism of the trolls.
"Absolutely Disgusting" Behaviour
"The abuse Jess Carter is receiving is absolutely disgusting," Sanderson told reporters. "People forget these are human beings who give everything for their country. The keyboard warriors should be ashamed."
Carter, who plays for Chelsea in the Women's Super League, has been a key part of Sarina Wiegman's squad. The 26-year-old defender has earned over 50 caps for England since her debut in 2017.
Growing Problem in Women's Football
This incident highlights the growing issue of online abuse in women's football, despite the sport's rising popularity. Sanderson called for social media platforms to take stronger action:
- Implement stricter verification for accounts
- Faster response times for abuse reports
- Harsher penalties for offenders
The Football Association has also condemned the abuse, stating they're "working closely with platforms" to identify perpetrators.
