Keira Walsh says the majority of Women’s Super League players have received online abuse | OneFootball

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England and Chelsea star Keira Walsh has admitted that it would be difficult to find a Women’s Super League (WSL) player who has not received online abuse.

Her comments come after former Lioness Karen Carney revealed this week that she “never got over” the online abuse she received during her career.

Ahead of England’s clash with China on Saturday, Walsh called for more action to be taken to prevent future online abuse.

Keira Walsh: Most WSL players have received online abuse

In reaction to Carney’s comments, Walsh said it would be a struggle to find a WSL player who has not received abuse, highlighting how much of an issue it has become.

“I think you’d be struggling to find a member of the squad who hasn’t had (online abuse),” she said. “I think in the WSL you’d be struggling to find a player that hasn’t had abuse.

“To be honest, we sit here a lot and say more needs to be done but it’s still happening and I think it’s only gonna get worse the more social media is growing.

“For us as players, we want to see more action. We’re getting a bit tired of saying we want to be protected; nothing really changes. It’s worrying for the younger girls coming through, it’s prominent now, I just hope that they can have parts of their career where they don’t have to focus on that and can just enjoy the game.”

England’s Jess Carter was subjected to racial abuse during Euro 2025, forcing her to take a step back from social media. Tottenham and England star Jessica Naz also suffered racist abuse following a Women’s League Cup game earlier this season.

What did Carney say?

Carney has received abuse during her playing career, as well as in her role as a TV pundit.

In December 2020, Carney received thousands of abusive and sexist messages after comments she made about Leeds United.

Carney told the Guardian: “That crushed my confidence. It floored me as a human, completely floored me. I’ve never got over it. I’m more emotional about that than what I dealt with in America. I’ve not dealt with this.”

She added that it felt like the “world was caving in” on her and that she “never experienced anything like it”.

Keira Walsh reacts to Women’s League Cup changes

Chelsea star Walsh also reacted to potential changes in the Women’s League Cup that could see Champions League clubs barred from the competition.

She said during England’s press conference: “I think it is difficult. Obviously you want to have the chance to win the quadruple, that’s why you have those competitions. In terms of fixtures and the calendar, it makes sense.

“It’s probably a good decision for the Champions League teams to have one less competition. I think that’s what we’ve been asking for. So I think if you’re looking at the future in terms of injuries, I think it’s a good decision.”