England footballer Jess Carter takes drastic step as racist abuse see police take action

Sarina Wiegman news conference as she names England squad for Euro 2025
Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 20/07/2025

- 14:42

Jess Carter has revealed she has suffered from racist abuse since Euro 2025 started

England defender Jess Carter has disclosed that she has faced significant racial abuse on social media platforms since Euro 2025 began.

The 27-year-old announced she would withdraw from social media to concentrate on Tuesday's semi-final clash with Italy in Geneva.


Carter, who has earned 49 caps for England and started every match in the tournament, made her decision public through an Instagram statement on Sunday afternoon.

The defender explained that the abuse had been ongoing since the competition's opening stages.

Jess Carter

PA

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Jess Carter has stepped away from social media after suffering from racist abuse

Her announcement prompted an immediate response from the Football Association, with officials confirming that UK police have been notified about the hate crime.

In her statement, Carter wrote: "From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse.

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"Whilst 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."

She confirmed she would be "taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with" to safeguard her mental health.

The defender expressed hope that her decision to speak publicly might discourage future perpetrators.

"Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it," Carter stated.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham issued a strong statement denouncing the attacks on Carter. "We strongly condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism," he declared.

Bullingham revealed that the FA acted swiftly once they became aware of the situation.

"As soon as we were made aware of the racist abuse Jess received, we immediately contacted UK police," he confirmed.

The police are now liaising with the social media platform involved, whilst the FA collaborates with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators face justice.

Bullingham acknowledged this was not an isolated incident, noting that England players have previously endured similar abuse, prompting the FA to establish rapid response protocols.

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Jess Carter

PA

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Police are now investigating the matter after the FA intervened

The Lionesses will face Italy at Geneva's stadium on Tuesday evening, with the winners progressing to meet either Germany or Spain in the final.

Carter has been a crucial component of England's defensive line throughout the tournament in Switzerland.

The defender expressed pride in representing the current squad, stating: "We have made some historic changes with this Lionesses squad that I am so proud to be a part of and my hope is that by speaking out about this it will make another positive change for all."

She concluded her message by affirming her commitment to the team: "I'm now looking forward and focusing on putting all of my energy into helping my team."

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