‘I can’t look away’ - Arsenal star Lia Walti defends Lauren James after stamp incident which saw ‘disgusting’ abuse hurled at Chelsea forward following WSL loss

The Chelsea forward found herself in the eye of controversy after she dragged her boot down the midfielder's shin and onto Walti's foot during their league defeat to the Gunners last weekend. Chelsea coach, Emma Hayes, immediately took her off after she was warned by the referee as it was clear that the frustration was getting the better of her with the Blues being outplayed by their opponents.

In the aftermath of the defeat, James had to face several online abuse and Hayes even claimed that the forward was "racially profiled," by both fans and "the media."

The Swiss international came out in defence of her colleague and wrote on X: "I initially didn't want to say anything, but I can't look away. I absolutely can't stand any sort of abuse - online abuse and any other sort of discrimination are disgusting. No one gets better by putting others down!!!"

James has been in incredible form this campaign and earned the Women's Super League (WSL) Player of the Month award for November. In the current season, she stands as the joint-second top scorer in the league, netting six goals in eight matches. With significant contributions to both Chelsea and the national team, James has become an indispensable figure. But the online abuse has impacted her and Hayes drew parallels between James' situation and David Beckham's experience in 1998 when he faced criticism for a red card against Argentina in the World Cup, for kicking Diego Simeone, which dearly cost the Three Lions.

James' mental health has suffered due to the barrage of online trolling and it remains to be seen if Hayes puts her in the starting XI Hacken in the Champions League on Thursday. A bit of rest should do her good and could return to action this weekend against Bristol City on Sunday.