Lionesses star Jess Carter subjected to 'a lot of racial abuse' during England’s Euro 2025 campaign as Gotham FC defender takes a 'step back from social media'

Carter took to social media to outline the abuse she has received during the tournament, and announced her intention to step back from online platforms. The England and Gotham FC defender said that while she accepts criticism of her performance circulating on social media, she draws the line at messages that "target someone's appearance or race".

In a statement on X, Carter wrote: "From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse. Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their own opinion on performance and result, I don’t agree or think it’s ok to target someone’s appearance or race.

“As a result of this I will be taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with. As ever I am grateful for all the support from the genuine fans but I am taking this measure to protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team anyway I can.

“Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won’t have to deal with it. We have made some historic changes with the 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.

“I’m now looking forward and focussing on putting all of my energy into helping the team.”

The FA's CEO Mark Bullingham released a statement shortly after Carter's post saying the organisation's priority is to give the player "all the support she needs". He also confirmed that the governing body will be working alongside the police to "ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice".

Meanwhile, the Lionesses have also issued a statement pledging their support to Carter and "all Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism". England's women have also confirmed they will no longer take the knee before their games, as "it is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism". The Lionesses have continued the gesture through Euro 2025; both England and Sweden's players took the knee ahead of their quarter-final matchup.

Carter has been ever-present in the England side during their Euros title defence. She is likely to retain her place in Sarina Wiegman's starting XI when the Lionesses come up against Italy in their semi-final tie on Tuesday night.