Lionesses to stop kneeling before Euro matches after Jess Carter faces racist abuse on social media | OneFootball

The team feel the gesture has lost its impact

England defender Jess Carter has revealed she has been the target of "a lot of racial abuse" during Euro 2025.

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said his organisation "immediately contacted UK police" as soon as it was made aware of the abuse and vowed to ensure "those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice".

The England team said instead of taking a knee they would remain standing before Tuesday's semi-final against Italy, adding: "It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism."

Writing on her social media accounts, Carter said in a statement: "From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse. Whilst 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.

"As a result of this I will be taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with.

"As ever I am grateful for all of the support from the genuine fans but I am taking this measure to protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team any way I can.

"Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that 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.

"I'm now looking forward and focusing on putting all of my energy into helping my team."

England next travel to Geneva to face Italy in the last four.

A team statement, posted on the Lionesses' official X account, read: "We stand with Jess and all Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism.

"No-one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life.

"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.

"Until now, we have chosen to take the knee before matches. It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism. We have agreed as a squad to remain standing before kick-off on Tuesday."

England boss Sarina Wiegman gave her support to Carter, vowing to "stand with Jess and all Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism", as did Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

He said on X: "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."

Bullingham said the FA's priority was "Jess and giving her all the support she needs".

He added: "As soon as we were made aware of the racist abuse Jess received, we immediately contacted UK police. They are in touch with the relevant social media platform and we are 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."

England men's players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were victims of racist abuse in the wake of the team's Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy, while Carter's international team-mate Lauren James has also been targeted.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out backed Carter's decision to "look after her own wellbeing".

It added: "It shouldn't come to a point where players feel the need to take this action. They should feel safe while doing their jobs. They should not be exposed to this sickening behaviour and those responsible should face the strongest possible consequences."

UEFA added on X: "Abuse and discrimination should never be tolerated, whether in football or society, in person or online."