ZURICH: England defender Jess Carter has said she has been the target of online racist abuse since Euro 2025 began in Switzerland and that she is stepping away from social media for the rest of the tournament.

The Lionesses face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Carter, in an Instagram post, said: “Whilst every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don’t agree or think that it’s ok to target someone’s appearance or race.

“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.”

The 27-year-old, who is black, has started all four of England’s games at the tournament, but struggled in their quarter-final win over Sweden on Thursday as the Lionesses conceded two first-half goals.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted his support for Carter on X, saying: “There is no place for racism in football or anywhere in society. I stand with Jess, the Lionesses, and any players who have suffered racism, on and off the pitch.”

Football Association ceo Mark Bullingham condemned the abuse, and said the FA has been in contact with UK police, who are in touch with the relevant social media platform, to “ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice,” he said.

Bullingham added: “Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs. Regrettably this is not the first time this has happened to an England player.”

Governing body UEFA, Carter’s club Gotham FC, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the Lionesses all also posted statements in support of the player.

Five people were arrested after England players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were racially abused online following their men’s Euro 2020 final defeat.

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