FridayOL

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at England women's footballer Jess Carter following her participation in the Women's Euro 2025. Carter, a key player for the Lionesses, has been subjected to vile online attacks, leading her to step away from social media platforms to protect her mental wellbeing.

Wright, known for his outspoken views on social justice and equality, took to social media to express his outrage and offer his support to Carter. He labelled the abuse as “absolutely disgusting” and called for stricter measures to combat online hate speech targeting footballers and other public figures.

“It’s absolutely disgusting what Jess Carter has had to go through,” Wright stated. “To be subjected to that kind of abuse just for playing the game is unacceptable. It’s a disgrace to our country and a disgrace to anyone who thinks that’s okay.”

Carter’s decision to temporarily leave social media highlights the devastating impact that online abuse can have on athletes. The Football Association (FA) and other sporting bodies have been under increasing pressure to address the issue and implement effective strategies to protect players from such attacks. The prevalence of racist abuse in football continues to be a serious concern, and Wright's comments underscore the urgency of finding a solution.

This incident is not isolated. Numerous players, both male and female, have faced similar experiences of online racism. The Euro 2025 tournament, while showcasing the incredible talent and passion of women's football, has also unfortunately brought to light the darker side of online behaviour. The FA has pledged to work with social media platforms to identify and ban perpetrators, but many believe that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of online hate.

Wright’s message resonated with many fans and fellow professionals, who voiced their solidarity with Carter and their condemnation of racism in all its forms. The incident has reignited the debate about the responsibility of social media companies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their users and to prevent their platforms from being used to spread hate.

Beyond the immediate condemnation, Wright’s statement serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against racism in society. It’s a battle that requires the collective effort of individuals, sporting organisations, and social media platforms to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. The hope is that incidents like this will spur action and lead to meaningful change, ensuring that footballers like Jess Carter can focus on their game without fear of online abuse.

The FA has released a statement condemning the abuse and reaffirming its commitment to tackling discrimination. They are working closely with the police to investigate the matter and identify those responsible. The incident has prompted calls for stronger legislation to combat online hate speech and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.