The English football player Jess Carter is temporarily stopping with social media because of the racist messages she has been receiving since the European Championship in Switzerland. The national team and English Football Association (FA) support the defender in her decision.
“Since the start of the European Championship, I have been dealing with many racist messages,” the 27-year-old Carter writes on Instagram. “Although I think every fan is entitled to an opinion about a performance or result, I don’t think you should attack someone on appearance or race.”
Carter feels compelled by the messages to not use social media for the time being. “I am grateful for the support of the sincere fans, but I am now taking this measure to protect myself and to be able to fully focus on the team.”
“Hopefully, after this statement, people will think twice before committing racism again, so that others are spared this suffering. I hope that I can now use all my energy to help the team,” concludes the left-back.
Carter is a starting player this European Championship under national coach Sarina Wiegman. The wing defender of the American Gotham FC played the entire match in the group match against the Netherlands (4-0 victory). England will play Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
The national team expresses support for Carter “and all other English players who have ever been treated racistly”. “No one should undergo such disgusting racist expressions, not in football and not in daily life,” the team writes on X.
“Representing our country is the greatest honor. It is unfair that some are treated differently because of their skin color. Until now, we kneel before the start of matches to speak out, but it is clear that we now have to fight racism in a different way.”
The FA is in contact with the British police and various social media platforms. “We are working with the police to bring the responsible people to justice,” the association reports. “Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened to a player from England.”