England defender Jess Carter has been subjected to a wave of racist abuse during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, prompting an investigation by police in collaboration with the Football Association (FA).
The 27-year-old, born in England to an African American father and British mother, plays for Gotham FC in the United States. She announced Sunday, July 20, that she will step back from social media after enduring sustained hate online since the start of the tournament.
“From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse,” Carter revealed, according to a report published by the BBC. “While I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result, I don’t agree, or think, it’s OK to target someone’s appearance or race.”
Carter added that she will leave management of her social media accounts to her team.
FA and Police Respond, Lionesses Announce Change to Anti-Racism Gesture
The Football Association confirmed it is working with law enforcement to identify and prosecute those behind the abuse, which it has classified as a hate crime.
“We are working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice,” the FA said in a statement.
In a significant move, the Lionesses also announced they would no longer take the knee before matches — a gesture widely associated with anti-racism campaigns — stating it was “clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism.”
Widespread Support and Condemnation of Abuse
Carter’s England teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy also said she would be stepping away from social media in solidarity. Across the footballing world, support has poured in.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the abuse in strong terms.
“There is no place for racism in football or anywhere in society. I stand with Jess, the Lionesses, and any players who have suffered racism, on and off the pitch,” Starmer said.
Carter, who debuted for England in 2017 and has 49 international caps, was part of the squad that lifted the Euro 2022 trophy. She began her professional career with Birmingham City and enjoyed domestic success at Chelsea before transferring to Gotham FC in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) last summer.
Her American club voiced outrage and support:
“Jess is not only a world-class football player, she is a role model, a leader and a valued part of our Gotham FC family,” the team said. “We stand with Jess.”
Anti-Racism Groups Demand Accountability
Kick It Out, a leading anti-discrimination organization in the UK, backed Carter’s decision to retreat from social media and called for accountability.
“Those responsible should face the strongest possible consequences,” the charity said, adding that social media companies share responsibility for failing to act swiftly against online abuse.
UEFA, the governing body for European football, echoed those sentiments:
“Abuse and discrimination should never be tolerated, whether in football or society, in person or online.”
The Lionesses face Italy in the Euro 2025 semi-final on Tuesday, but the focus has shifted from on-field performance to the deeper systemic issue of racism in football.
Carter’s experience is a reminder that the sport’s governing bodies and institutions still face immense challenges in creating truly safe spaces for players of color.
