England defender Jess Carter says she will take a step back from social media after experiencing “a lot of racial abuse” during Euro 2025.
In a statement on Sunday, the Lionesses also said they would now stop the anti-racism move of taking a knee before matches, saying it was “clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism”.
The Football Association said it was “working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice”.
“From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse,” said the 27-year-old Carter.
“While I feel every fan is entitled to their 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.”
England team-mate Lotte Wubben-Moy said she will also be coming off social media following the news.
Carter, who has 49 England caps since her debut in 2017, was a member of the squad that won Euro 2022.
Having started her career at Birmingham City, she won five Women’s Super League titles with Chelsea before leaving for Gotham FC last summer.
The United States National Women’s Soccer League side said in a statement: “We are heartbroken and outraged by the racist abuse directed at Jess Carter.
“Jess is not only a world-class football player, she is a role model, a leader and a valued part of our Gotham FC family.
“We stand with Jess, and we deeply appreciate the support for Jess from the Lionesses and England’s Football Association as they compete at the UEFA Women’s Championship.”
European football’s governing body Uefa added: “Abuse and discrimination should never be tolerated, whether in football or society, in person or online.”
The Lionesses will not take the knee before Tuesday’s Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy and have decided to remain standing instead.
