England Defender Jess Carter Details Euro 2025 Abuse Nightmare
In a powerful interview, Jess Carter, the England women's national team defender, has shared the harrowing details of the racial abuse she endured during the UEFA Euro 2025 tournament, revealing that the experience left her too scared to leave her hotel room.
Racial Abuse During Euro 2025
Carter, who played a key role in England's successful defense of the European Championship title, opened up about the distressing messages she received. The abuse, which included derogatory racial slurs and hateful comments, was particularly intense during the tournament held in Switzerland.
Man Pleads Guilty to Abuse
Nigel Dewale, a 60-year-old from Blackburn, recently pleaded guilty to sending the abusive posts to Carter's TikTok account. The messages not only targeted her as a player but also made offensive generalizations about people with brown skin, labeling them as 'murderers' and 'groomers.'
Impact on Carter's Confidence
The England international, who has 52 caps for her country, admitted that the abuse had a profound impact on her confidence. 'It's probably the first time in my life where my confidence has been knocked hugely,' she said. 'I'm quite a confident person in everything but it's the first time I lacked in confidence on the pitch.'
Feeling of Isolation and Fear
Carter described how the abuse made her feel isolated and fearful. 'I didn't want to leave the hotel in case those people who were saying those things were going to be in Switzerland with us,' she explained. 'It was quite a scary time. It totally devalues you as a human being.'
Worsening Abuse in Women's Football
The defender, who now plays for Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League in the United States, believes that the abuse female players face is escalating. 'We're just expected to put up with it,' she lamented, highlighting the double standard between how male and female athletes are treated online.
Speaking Up as a Solution
Carter emphasized the importance of speaking out against such abuse. 'If players fail to speak up about abuse, then people just think it's not an issue and you kind of have to suffer alone,' she stated, advocating for a collective effort to address the problem.
Comparing Experiences in Different Leagues
Moving from Chelsea in the Women's Super League to Gotham FC in the US has given Carter a unique perspective on fan behavior. She noted that supporters at her current club are 'a lot more friendly' compared to those in England. 'In America they just seem to be so happy and so positive and tell you how great you are, even if you haven't done that good,' she added.
Future Decisions Based on Well-being
Carter has made it clear that her happiness is now a priority in her career decisions. 'My happiness comes before any form of football anymore, so whatever decision I make on where I'll play football will be based on where I think I'll be happiest for myself, my family,' she said, reflecting on the importance of mental health in professional sports.
Team's Response to Racism
The England squad showed solidarity with Carter during Euro 2025. In response to her ordeal, the team made the collective decision to stop taking the knee before matches, recognizing that 'we and football need to find another way to tackle racism.'
Maintaining a Positive Environment
As women's football continues to grow in popularity, Carter expressed concern about the changing dynamic. 'You're starting to hesitate about who you want to be - and that's not what we want,' she said, stressing the need to maintain a family-friendly and inclusive environment in the sport.
Call for Better Online Safety Measures
Carter called for improved collaboration between law enforcement and social media companies to combat online abuse. She highlighted the need for stronger measures to protect athletes from harassment and ensure they can focus on their performance without fear.
Upcoming Match and Continued Advocacy
Currently in the UK for Gotham FC's semi-final match in the inaugural Women's Champions Cup against Brazilian side SC Corinthians, Carter remains committed to advocating for change. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges female athletes face and the urgent need for action to create a safer, more respectful environment in sports.
