England stated they will stop kneeling before games because “footnotes need to find another way to tackle racism”. It denounced the “online poison” of racist taunts aimed at defender Jess Carter during the European Championship in Switzerland.
Carter was moved from left-back to centre-back after receiving criticism for her performance in England’s opening tournament match against France.
She suffered once during Thursday’s victory over Sweden in the quarterfinals, and she has now come forward to disclose the intolerable hate she has endured while serving abroad. Carter has had a lot of support, especially from her teammates.
During the UEFA Women’s Euros in Switzerland, England player Jess Carter claims she has been the target of racist online taunts. According to the 49-cap England player, the Lionesses’ defence will be “taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with.” The leadership of the Football Association has called UK police and denounced the “abhorrent abuse” directed at Carter.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said in a statement: “Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs. We strongly condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism.
“As soon as we were made aware of the racist abuse Kess received, we immediately contacted UK police. They are in touch with the relevant social media platform, and we are working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice.”
The Lionesses said in a statement: “We stand with Jess and all Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism
“No one would have to ensure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life.” They added: “Those behind this online poison must be held accountable.”
“There is no place for racism in football or anywhere in society,” the prime minister declared in X. Sir Keir Starmer continued, “I stand with Jess, the Lionesses, and any players who have suffered racism, on and off the pitch.
Carter has started each of England’s four tournament games. On Tuesday night in Geneva, the reigning champions take on Italy in the Euros semifinals. They will play either Spain or Germany, who meet on Wednesday, if they get to the final.
Before the game against Italy began, the Lionesses stated that they had decided as a team to stay standing. “We hope the game can come together to see what more can be done.”
When NFL star Colin Kaepernick protested by kneeling during the playing of the US national anthem as a symbolic anti-racism gesture. It spread during the Black Lives Matter movement.