Jess Carter Faces Online Abuse at Women’s Euro Championship
In a concerning development during the Women’s European Championship, England defender Jess Carter revealed that she has been subjected to racial abuse online. The backlash came after England’s disappointing performance in their opening match against France, but sadly, the negativity has extended even as the team has progressed to the semifinals.
Carter expressed her distress in a heartfelt Instagram post, stating, “While every fan has the right to share their views on performance, targeting someone based on their race or appearance is unacceptable.” This reflects a broader issue many athletes face today.
With 49 appearances for England and a member of the victorious Euro 2022 squad, Carter is a significant player for her team. However, she has decided to take a break from social media to focus on her role in the upcoming matches.
“My priority is to protect myself and maintain my focus on helping my team,” she added, showing her commitment to the sport despite the pain caused by the abuse.
The Football Association (FA) has taken proactive measures by reaching out to UK police regarding the abuse she received. FA CEO Mark Bullingham emphasized, “Supporting Jess is our priority, and we strongly condemn the racism targeted at her. We have contacted law enforcement to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
This unfortunate incident isn’t new, as various England players have faced similar issues in the past. Carter’s teammates have rallied around her, offering support and solidarity. In response to the abuse, the Lionesses announced they would no longer take a knee before matches, suggesting a need for a new approach to combat racism in sports.
Lucy Bronze, one of Carter’s teammates, shared her thoughts, questioning whether the team’s actions were still effective in making a statement against racism. “We need to find stronger ways to address this ongoing issue,” she stated.
Carter plays club football for Gotham FC in the United States, and her team expressed their outrage at the abuse targeted towards her. They stressed the importance of respect and safety in sports, making it clear that racism has no place in the game.
As the Lionesses gear up to face Italy in the semifinals, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting match. Carter expressed hopes that speaking out might sway those who engage in online abuse, allowing sports to foster a more positive environment.
As women’s football gains traction and popularity, it also faces the unfortunate reality of increased scrutiny and contempt online. “With the growth of women’s sports, we are seeing a rise in targeted abuse,” Bronze noted.
The European Championships have so far showcased thrilling matches against the stunning backdrop of Switzerland, yet the issue of online abuse continues to loom large as the sport evolves.
