Jess Carter Opens Up: Racist Abuse During Euro 2025 Made Me Fear Leaving Hotel

England international Jess Carter has opened up about the devastating effect racist abuse had on her during Euro 2025, revealing she was too frightened to step outside her hotel room throughout the tournament.

The 28-year-old defender shared with BBC Sport that the threatening nature of the messages left her genuinely concerned for her safety. "I was afraid to leave the hotel because I worried those individuals sending these messages might actually be there in Switzerland," Carter explained. "It was a terrifying experience that makes you feel worthless as a person."

The situation reached a legal conclusion earlier this month when 60-year-old Nigel Dewale admitted guilt to sending racist communications to Carter's TikTok profile during the European Championship. The offensive messages contained racial slurs and falsely characterized people with brown skin as "murderers" and "groomers." Despite enduring this harassment, England successfully retained their European crown.

For Carter, who has represented England 52 times, the ordeal marked an unprecedented challenge to her self-belief. "I've always been confident in my abilities, but this was the first time I felt that confidence drain away on the field," the defender acknowledged.

The former Chelsea player had to withdraw from social media platforms during the competition after facing what she termed "extensive racial harassment" from the tournament's opening days. Her England teammates provided crucial support, and the squad collectively chose to discontinue taking a knee before matches, believing they needed alternative methods to combat racism.

Rising Concern: Abuse in Women's Football Escalates

Now playing for Gotham FC in the United States, Carter warns that the abuse directed at female footballers "is intensifying." As women's football gains mainstream popularity, players face increased negative attention. The Lionesses' elevated public profiles have made them bigger targets for online trolls.

"Player profiles have exploded in recent years," Carter noted. "Every athlete deserves to feel safe walking down the street and being themselves, but we're reaching a point where many players no longer feel that security."

She's observed a notable contrast between her experiences in England and North America. While England supporters who attend matches are "incredible," she finds Gotham fans more consistently welcoming. "American fans just seem genuinely happy and positive, complimenting your performance even when you know you didn't play your best," she remarked.

Looking ahead to future international competitions, Carter's experience raises important questions about player wellbeing that could affect team dynamics and results. She now prioritizes personal happiness over football considerations, meaning her future career choices will depend on where she feels most comfortable and secure.

Calls for Improved Coordination Between Police and Tech Companies

Carter has been cooperating with law enforcement in their case against Dewale, who awaits sentencing on March 25th. Magistrates have indicated that imprisonment remains a possible outcome.

Though commending social media platforms for being "genuinely helpful" in addressing abuse, Carter highlighted a critical disconnect. The standards police use to determine illegal content don't align with what social media companies consider violations of their policies. "When social media platforms won't share information because they don't believe their criteria has been violated, police are powerless to act," she clarified.

Carter advocates for stronger collaboration between law enforcement and social media companies, stressing they need to "align their standards and approaches." Without this coordination, she questions whether online harassment can ever be fully eliminated. The case has spotlighted the pressing need for enhanced athlete protections, especially as women's football continues its impressive expansion worldwide.