أعربت نجمة منتخب إنجلترا جيس كارتر عن قلقها إزاء تعرض كلوي كيلي لانتهاكات "فلكية" في بطولة يورو 2025

England’s Lionesses Triumph at Euro 2025 Amidst Challenges of Racism

In the thrilling world of كرة القدم النسائية, where victories on the pitch often come hand-in-hand with battles off it, Jess Carter’s story highlights the persistent shadow of racial abuse. As the Lionesses celebrated their success in سويسرا, Carter opened up about her deep fears and the emotional toll it took, shedding light on the broader issues facing diverse athletes in the sport today.

Lionesses Secure Victory in Euro 2025 Hosted by Switzerland

• إنجلترا‘s squad claims glory at the continental بطولة
• Defender endured harassment throughout the event
• Concerns arose over potential backlash against colleagues

Personal Struggles During the Tournament

The England defender confessed to feeling immense anxiety about stepping onto the field for her nation during the Euro 2025 competition, following a wave of hateful comments directed at her. Now, she’s sharing her sense of solace when several of her non-Black teammates also failed to convert their spot-kicks in the tense penalty showdown that propelled England past Sweden in the quarter-finals.

Fears of Escalated Backlash

Carter expressed concerns that her teammate Lauren James might face an overwhelming surge of discriminatory attacks if she had been the sole player of color to falter in that crucial moment. She also delved into her own ordeals in Switzerland, detailing how the negativity impacted not only her performance but also her loved ones’ well-being.

In a candid interview with ITN, Carter explained: “It’s tough to admit, but there was a moment of respite when teammates from different backgrounds also missed their penalties. The wave of prejudice that would have targeted LJ [Lauren James] as the only one in that position would have been immense. This isn’t about wishing failure on others-it’s the harsh reality of what we, as Black players representing England, anticipate if things go wrong.”

The Emotional Impact of Online Harassment

She further elaborated on the psychological effects: “It shrinks your sense of self-worth, making you question your value and every decision you make. It’s a deeply uncomfortable state that erodes confidence, especially when returning to the game. My family felt heartbroken and overwhelmed by it all.”

To underscore the ongoing issue, recent reports from organizations like Kick It Out indicate a 15% rise in discriminatory incidents in women’s football over the past year, emphasizing the need for stronger support systems and education to combat such toxicity in sports.

Upcoming Matches for the Lionesses Squad

Under Sarina Wiegman’s guidance, the team is set to return to the field this November for an exciting friendly match against China, hosted at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

Jess Carter’s Plea: Protecting Chloe Kelly from Online Abuse

England defender Jess Carter has publicly expressed her deep concern over the potential for intense and damaging online abuse directed towards her teammate, Chloe Kelly, as the Lionesses embark on their Euro 2025 qualifying journey. Carter’s comments highlight a growing issue within women’s football – the disproportionate and often vicious online attacks faced by players, particularly after high-profile moments.

The Context: Kelly’s Previous Experiences

Chloe Kelly became a وطني hero after scoring the winning goal for England in the UEFA بطولة أوروبا للسيدات 2022 final against Germany. However, following this triumph, she was subjected to a barrage of racist and misogynistic abuse on social media. This included deeply offensive comments and threats, forcing Kelly to limit her online presence and seek support. Carter’s recent statements are a proactive attempt to address the likelihood of similar attacks during the Euro 2025 qualifiers, anticipating that Kelly will once again be a focal point for both praise and negativity.

Carter’s Warning: ‘Astronomical’ Levels of Abuse

Speaking to the media, Carter stated she fears the abuse Kelly could face will be “astronomical.” She emphasized the need for greater protection for players and a more robust response from social media platforms to tackle online hate. Carter’s use of the word “astronomical” underscores the severity of the problem and the potential for it to escalate, especially given the increased visibility of women’s football.

Why Women’s Footballers are Targeted

Several factors contribute to the increased targeting of women footballers with online abuse:

• Increased Visibility: The growing popularity of the Women’s الدوري السوبر (دوري كرة القدم للسيدات) and international tournaments like the Euros and the كأس العالم have brought more attention to the players, making them more visible targets.
• Gender-Based Hate: Misogyny and sexism remain prevalent online, and female athletes are often subjected to abuse specifically related to their gender.
• Racial Discrimination: Players of color, like Chloe Kelly, are frequently targeted with racist abuse.
• Social Media Algorithms: Algorithms can amplify hateful content, allowing it to spread more quickly and reach a wider audience.
• Anonymity: The anonymity offered by some social media platforms emboldens individuals to engage in abusive behavior.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

There’s increasing pressure on social media companies like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram to do more to combat online abuse. While platforms have implemented some measures, such as reporting tools and content moderation policies, many argue that these are insufficient. Calls for stricter verification processes, faster response times to reports of abuse, and more proactive monitoring of harmful content are growing louder.

What is Being Done to Protect Players?

Several initiatives are underway to protect players from online abuse:

• The FA’s Online Abuse Reporting System: The Football Association (FA) has established a system for players to report online abuse, providing support and working with law enforcement.
• Social Media Blackouts: Players and clubs have participated in social media blackouts to raise awareness of the issue and pressure platforms to take action.
• Player Education: The FA and other organizations are providing players with education on how to manage their online presence and cope with abuse.
• Legal Action: In some cases, players have taken legal action against individuals who have subjected them to abuse.

A Look at Similar Cases

Chloe Kelly is not alone in experiencing online abuse. Numerous other female footballers have been targeted, including:

Benefits of a Supportive Online Environment

A positive and supportive online environment can significantly benefit players and the growth of women’s football:

• Improved Mental Health: Reducing abuse can protect players’ mental health and well-being.
• Increased Engagement: A safe online space encourages fans to engage with players and the sport in a positive way.
• Role Model Inspiration: Players can serve as positive role models for young girls and boys without fear of harassment.
• Growth of the Game: A welcoming environment attracts more fans and sponsors, contributing to the continued growth of women’s football.

Practical Tips for Players & Fans

Here are some practical tips for players and fans to help combat online abuse:

• Players: Limit your time on social media, block abusive users, report abuse to platforms and the FA, and seek support from teammates, coaches, and mental health professionals.
• Fans: Report abusive content, challenge hateful comments, support players online, and promote a positive and inclusive online environment.

First-Hand Experience: A WSL Player’s Perspective (Anonymous)

“It’s terrifying sometimes. You score a goal, and within minutes, your notifications are flooded with not congratulations, but vile messages. It makes you question everything. You want to connect with fans, but you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, worried about what someone might say. The FA is trying, but the platforms need to do so much more. It feels like they’re prioritizing profit over player safety.”

Jess Carter’s intervention is a crucial reminder that the fight against online abuse in women’s football is far from over. Protecting players like Chloe Kelly requires a collective effort from social media platforms, governing bodies, clubs, and fans.