Latest news with #racistabuse
The Independent
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Tuesday's briefing: Carter unstoppable as Lionesses target a place in final
Jess Carter is set to play for England in their European Championship semi-final against Italy despite being the target of online racist abuse during the tournament. England coach Sarina Wiegman is expecting to be able to pick from a full-strength squad, with Leah Williamson shrugging off an injury she sustained in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat of Sweden. Manchester United and Liverpool have been splashing the cash ahead of the new Premier League season, while Rangers are also looking to make a statement in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League. England at full strength for Italy showdown Sarina Wiegman has suggested captain Leah Williamson will be fit for England's Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy and said Jess Carter is 'ready to perform' after the defender revealed she had been the target of racist abuse. There were concerns about centre-back Williamson's fitness after she rolled her ankle in extra time of Thursday's dramatic last-eight shoot-out victory over Sweden, but the Arsenal defender – alongside every other member of the squad – trained with the team on Monday morning. Carter, in a statement shared to her accounts on several platforms on Sunday, said she would be 'taking a step back' from social media, while Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham confirmed his organisation has involved UK police. Asked if she expected to have a full complement available for the semi in Geneva, England boss Wiegman said: 'That's what it looks like, yeah.' Meanwhile FIFA chief Gianni Infantino says he is 'deeply saddened' by racist abuse directed at Carter and promised FIFA will share data with the relevant authorities to identify the culprits. FIFA president Infantino wrote on Instagram: 'I am deeply saddened to see the online abuse directed at England's Jess Carter during the ongoing Women's EURO tournament. There is no place for racism in football or in society.' Mbeumo finally completes United move Manchester United have completed the long-awaited signing of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo for a fee rising to £71million. Nearly seven weeks after seeing their first offer rebuffed, the Red Devils finally have their man and the 25-year-old has signed a deal until 2030 with the option of a further year. Mbeumo leaves Brentford for an initial £65m fee that PA understands could rise by a further £6m should certain add-on clauses related to team and player be achieved. 'As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up,' the Cameroon international said. Ekitike heading to Liverpool Liverpool have struck a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt worth up to £79million for striker Hugo Ekitike, the PA news agency understands. The talented 23-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga club after last summer making his loan move from Paris St Germain permanent. Newcastle and Manchester United have been among the interested parties but Premier League champions Liverpool look set to sign Ekitike. The PA news agency understands the Reds have agreed to pay a guaranteed £69m to sign the France Under-21 international, with a further £10m possible in add-ons. The player has been given permission to travel to Merseyside to complete the deal. Ekitike is set to arrive on Tuesday for his medical and to complete what is expected to be a deal until 2031. Martin believes Rangers are ready to shine Russell Martin believes Rangers will 'take some stopping' if they can harness an energy and connection between players, supporters and everyone else associated with the club. The Ibrox head coach is determined to ensure that process takes shape in his first match in charge against Panathinaikos on Tuesday. Rangers take on the Greek side in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round at Ibrox and Martin hopes fans can quickly see the dominant, intense, aggressive team that forms his vision for his reign. The former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager said: 'Every day I wake up and I'm honoured to be in this position. I feel extremely grateful for it. I'm excited by it and I will give it absolutely everything I've got. We all will.' What's on today The big night has finally arrived for England women who face Italy in the European Championship semi-final in Geneva. Rangers take on Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying while there is a full programme of Premier Sports Cup games, including Dundee's trip to non-league Bonnyrigg Rose.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ofcom warned toxic abuse threatens female sport
The head of Sport England has written to Ofcom, the communications industry regulator, to express its "deep concern regarding the recent wave of racist and sexist abuse" directed at England's women's football team on social media. Chris Boardman, the chairman of the community sport funding agency, said "the toxic culture that persists online threatens to undermine" efforts to increase rates of female participation. Lionesses defender Jess Carter has revealed she has been targeted with online racist abuse throughout the tournament. In a letter seen by BBC Sport, Boardman warned: "This behaviour is abhorrent and unacceptable in any context, but it is especially disheartening given the progress we have made in championing women and girls in sport. "Through Sport England and National Lottery investment, we have committed hundreds of millions of pounds to increase participation, visibility and opportunity for women and girls in sport." In October 2023, the Online Safety Act became law, ensuring social media platforms have a duty to protect users from content such as racism, with Ofcom responsible for enforcing the legislation, and developing codes of practice to guide tech companies. However, some anti-racism campaigners believe there needs to be more urgency. "The Online Safety Act 2023 provides a framework to address illegal and harmful content, including hate speech and misogynistic abuse," wrote Boardman. "We are particularly interested in how the new codes can be used to address the kind of targeted abuse we are seeing. We understand that Ofcom has also issued draft guidance on improving online safety for women and girls, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss how these measures can be strengthened and enforced. "For too long, internet trolls have been given free rein by the big tech companies to spread bile and misery, and this cannot be allowed to continue. "Could you please advise what further steps can be taken within the current regulatory framework to tackle misogyny and racism online?" Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Sport that social media companies and Ofcom "need to do more". "I think the act will continue to be tested every time a problem surfaces and it's incumbent on those such as Ofcom and social media platforms to be proactive in rooting this out," she said. "We brought in the Online Harms Act this year to make sure there are sanctions for companies that don't take this content down and we are doing a lot of work in schools to educate young people about the impact of online abuse but it's incumbent on all of us to call this out. "It's absolutely disgraceful what [Jess Carter] has had to put up with and we are completely behind her and the Lionesses." Ofcom has been approached for comment. Taking the knee 'not good enough' - Wiegman More abuse as women's football grows - Bronze 'The abuse never stops' - Lionesses to avoid social media
Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
England players suffered racist abuse from Argentina fans, who escape punishment
England players were the target of racist abuse from between 'five and seven' Argentina fans during the second Test victory over Los Pumas in San Juan. The incident, which took place as the visitors' bench warmed up behind the posts during the first half, was highlighted by England's players and management after the match, with an official complaint raised with World Rugby. Among England's replacements that day were prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour and back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South. It is understood the incident was a verbal, racist assault. The sport's global governing body said in a statement that it undertook 'an immediate and thorough investigation, involving witness statements, video analysis, and other lines of enquiry'. Working alongside the Unión Argentina de Rugby, World Rugby concluded that it was 'clear' an incident took place but regretted that the individuals responsible could not be identified. There will be no punishment for the UAR, but a stipulation to develop an fan education plan to prevent future occurrence. 'There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and any complaint of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby,' added the statement from the governing body. 'Working with World Rugby, the [UAR] has developed an action plan to enhance their operations, educate fans and better prevent such unacceptable incidents from occurring again.' Brett Robinson, World Rugby's chair, outlined his thanks to the UAR 'for [its] cooperation both in attempting to identify the individuals involved and for swiftly developing a comprehensive plan which we believe will make such incidents less likely in future'. Identifying the small number of abusers involved was made all the more difficult by the fact that seating in San Juan, just as in La Plata a week earlier, was unreserved. Tickets were valid for a specific stand only and, therefore, fans were able to move freely during the match. Therefore, it has proved impossible to identify the abusers via ticketing information and without video footage of the stands at the exact moment that the incident took place. Gabriel Travaglini, UAR president, stated: 'We strongly condemn all acts of racism and stand in solidarity with the England Rugby players who felt aggrieved. Upon learning of the incidents, intense efforts were made to identify the small group of five or seven individuals responsible within a crowd of over 20,000 spectators. 'Unfortunately, despite an exhaustive search, it was not possible to identify the perpetrators. We will continue to work collaboratively with World Rugby to educate the fans and eradicate any similar manifestations in the future, ensuring that our events are spaces of respect and inclusion for everyone.' Bill Sweeney, the Rugby Football Union's chief executive, said: 'There is absolutely no place for racism in our sport – or in any society – and these incidents must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. 'Every player, regardless of their background, has the right to represent their country with pride and dignity, free from discrimination and abuse. We are in close contact with the players affected and have offered them our full support.' England have just returned from a three-Test trip to Argentina and the US, winning the series 2-0 against Los Pumas before defeating the US Eagles in Washington DC last Saturday. This is not the first time that Argentinian sport has been at the centre of a racism storm of late. In July 2024, following Argentina's Copa América triumph, a video surfaced of Enzo Fernández and other Argentinian players on the team bus allegedly chanting in a racist manner about the origin of France's players. The French Football Federation lodged a complaint to Fifa and Fernández privately apologised to his Chelsea team-mates, one of whom was the French player Wesley Fofana, and donated to an anti-discrimination charity.
CNN
a day ago
- Sport
- CNN
England defender Jess Carter steps back from social media after racist abuse, team condemns ‘online poison'
England's Jess Carter says she will step back from social media after the defender said she has received 'a lot of racist abuse' since the beginning of the 2025 UEFA Women's Euros. Carter has started all four matches for England as the team has reached the semifinal stage of the tournament, where the Lionesses are seeking to win their second consecutive European Championship. '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,' the 27-year-old said in a statement posted across her social media channels. 'As a result of this I will be taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with.' Carter added that she is making the decision to protect herself '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 others won't have to deal with it. We have made some historic changes with this Lionesses squad that I am so proud to be a part of and my hope is that by speaking out about this it will make another positive change for all.' CNN Sports has reached out to Meta and X for comment. The official England women's social media account released a statement in support of Carter, calling the abuse the defender has suffered 'online poison.' 'No one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life,' the team said on X. 'Representing our country is the greatest honour. 'It is not right that while we are doing that, some of us are treated differently simply because of the colour of our skin.' The statement added that England players will stand rather than kneel – an act of solidarity against racism and prejudice introduced to soccer following the global outrage over the 2020 murder of George Floyd – ahead of their semifinal clash on Tuesday. 'It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism,' it said. Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English Football Association (FA), said that the group is 'working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice.' 'Regrettably, this is not the first time this has happened to an England player, so we had measures in place to allow us to respond quickly and where possible provide information to support any potential police action,' Bullingham said. 'We will continue to discuss with the relevant authorities and social media companies about what more can and should be done to prevent this abhorrent abuse.' UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his support for Carter, writing on social media: '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,' Starmer said. Online abuse directed at women's soccer players was a subject discussed ahead of the Women's Euros, with members of the England team saying they would avoid social media during major tournaments due to the abuse they are subjected to. Carter's England teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy announced on Sunday she would be coming off social media as a result of the persistent abuse. 'Another tournament goes by where we see the same disgusting racist abuse. It is unacceptable for any person to be subject to this or any kind of abuse,' Wubben-Moy said in a post on her Instagram Stories. 'The issue goes beyond sport. But what is being done about it? On the very platforms we post on? I will not continue to feed the very platform that enables abuse with no consequence.' Another of Carter's England teammates, defender Lucy Bronze, detailed the anger and sadness the whole squad felt upon hearing about the abuse targeted at Carter and that she hopes by standing before kick-off, rather than kneeling, will show that the players' voices 'make a difference.' Bronze added that the increasing popularity of women's soccer has led to increased abuse. 'The bigger the game gets, the bigger the noise becomes, the more fans there are, but the more critics there are,' Bronze told reporters. 'We're obviously open to critics – that's why we love the sport – but we're not open to abuse. 'Especially in women's football, the online abuse seems to be getting worse and worse. We see it more in the stadiums in men's football and online, but I think with women's football there seems to be a real target online. 'It's something that we're very aware of. There is a way to make a change. There is a solution. I don't have the answer, but I'm sure that there is one.' Since making her debut for England in 2017, Carter has been an ever-present in subsequent squads and was a part of the team who won the Women's Euros in 2022. She has made 49 appearances for the national side. England will look to book its second successive Women's Euros final as it plays Italy in the semifinal on Tuesday.
CNN
a day ago
- Sport
- CNN
England defender Jess Carter steps back from social media after racist abuse, team condemns ‘online poison'
England's Jess Carter says she will step back from social media after the defender said she has received 'a lot of racist abuse' since the beginning of the 2025 UEFA Women's Euros. Carter has started all four matches for England as the team has reached the semifinal stage of the tournament, where the Lionesses are seeking to win their second consecutive European Championship. '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,' the 27-year-old said in a statement posted across her social media channels. 'As a result of this I will be taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with.' Carter added that she is making the decision to protect herself '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 others won't have to deal with it. We have made some historic changes with this Lionesses squad that I am so proud to be a part of and my hope is that by speaking out about this it will make another positive change for all.' CNN Sports has reached out to Meta and X for comment. The official England women's social media account released a statement in support of Carter, calling the abuse the defender has suffered 'online poison.' 'No one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life,' the team said on X. 'Representing our country is the greatest honour. 'It is not right that while we are doing that, some of us are treated differently simply because of the colour of our skin.' The statement added that England players will stand rather than kneel – an act of solidarity against racism and prejudice introduced to soccer following the global outrage over the 2020 murder of George Floyd – ahead of their semifinal clash on Tuesday. 'It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism,' it said. Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English Football Association (FA), said that the group is 'working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice.' 'Regrettably, this is not the first time this has happened to an England player, so we had measures in place to allow us to respond quickly and where possible provide information to support any potential police action,' Bullingham said. 'We will continue to discuss with the relevant authorities and social media companies about what more can and should be done to prevent this abhorrent abuse.' UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his support for Carter, writing on social media: '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,' Starmer said. Online abuse directed at women's soccer players was a subject discussed ahead of the Women's Euros, with members of the England team saying they would avoid social media during major tournaments due to the abuse they are subjected to. Carter's England teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy announced on Sunday she would be coming off social media as a result of the persistent abuse. 'Another tournament goes by where we see the same disgusting racist abuse. It is unacceptable for any person to be subject to this or any kind of abuse,' Wubben-Moy said in a post on her Instagram Stories. 'The issue goes beyond sport. But what is being done about it? On the very platforms we post on? I will not continue to feed the very platform that enables abuse with no consequence.' Another of Carter's England teammates, defender Lucy Bronze, detailed the anger and sadness the whole squad felt upon hearing about the abuse targeted at Carter and that she hopes by standing before kick-off, rather than kneeling, will show that the players' voices 'make a difference.' Bronze added that the increasing popularity of women's soccer has led to increased abuse. 'The bigger the game gets, the bigger the noise becomes, the more fans there are, but the more critics there are,' Bronze told reporters. 'We're obviously open to critics – that's why we love the sport – but we're not open to abuse. 'Especially in women's football, the online abuse seems to be getting worse and worse. We see it more in the stadiums in men's football and online, but I think with women's football there seems to be a real target online. 'It's something that we're very aware of. There is a way to make a change. There is a solution. I don't have the answer, but I'm sure that there is one.' Since making her debut for England in 2017, Carter has been an ever-present in subsequent squads and was a part of the team who won the Women's Euros in 2022. She has made 49 appearances for the national side. England will look to book its second successive Women's Euros final as it plays Italy in the semifinal on Tuesday.
