England defender Jess Carter has bravely opened up about experiencing significant racial abuse during the ongoing Euro 2025 tournament. Following her revelations, the England team, known as the Lionesses, has decided to halt their anti-racism gesture of taking a knee before matches, acknowledging the need to find more effective ways to combat racism in football.

Carter, 27, stated that she has faced "a lot of racial abuse" since the tournament began, emphasizing that while fans are entitled to express opinions about performance, targeting someone based on their appearance or race is unacceptable. In response to the abuse, she plans to take a break from social media and allow her team to handle the situation. The Football Association is collaborating with police to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this hate crime.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly voiced his support for Carter, condemning racism in football and society. Carter, who has been capped 49 times for England and was part of the Euro 2022-winning squad, has faced intense scrutiny throughout the tournament, especially after England's performances. The abuse she received followed a challenging quarter-final match against Sweden, highlighting a disturbing trend of racial abuse directed at women in football, which has persisted over recent years.

As the Lionesses prepare for their semi-final match against Italy, discussions around Carter's position in the starting lineup continue, with her safety and well-being being paramount. The broader football community, including Carter's club Gotham FC, has expressed solidarity with her, emphasizing the need for a united front against discrimination in the sport.