Jess Carter steps back from social media due to racist abuse

England's Jess Carter plans to leave social media following racist attacks during the UEFA Women’s Euros.

Jess Carter steps back from social media after racist abuse

Jess Carter, the England defender, announced her decision to step back from social media due to receiving significant racist abuse during the ongoing UEFA Women’s Euros. Since the start of the tournament, which has seen England advance to the semifinals, Carter expressed her discomfort stating that while fans can share opinions on performance, they should not attack a player’s race or appearance. The official England women’s team condemned the abuse, referring to it as ‘online poison’, and stressed that no player should face such behavior while representing their country. They encouraged supporters to find better ways to combat racism within the sport. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also voiced his support for Carter, emphasizing that racism has no place in society or football. As awareness about online abuse grows, some teammates of Carter, like Lotte Wubben-Moy and Lucy Bronze, are also stepping away from social media to escape the negativity.

Carter's decision to distance herself from social media highlights a significant issue within sports, especially women's football, where athletes face heightened scrutiny and abuse online. The team's unified response demonstrates a collective stand against racism. It reflects a broader trend where players advocate for systemic changes in how social media platforms manage and prevent abusive behavior. By bringing attention to these incidents, players like Carter not only seek personal protection but also push for accountability and a cultural shift in the sports community.

Highlights

The conversation around online abuse in sports must continue to gain momentum.