Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on August 28, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
A 59-year-old man was arrested for online racial abuse of England's Jess Carter during Euro 2025. The UK Football Policing Unit led the investigation.
LONDON (Reuters) -A 59-year-old man was arrested in relation to abusive social media messages sent to England defender Jess Carter during the women's European Championship last month, Cheshire Police said on Thursday.
During Euro 2025, Carter said she had been the target of online racist abuse in Switzerland and even announced that she was stepping away from social media for the duration of the tournament, which England won by beating Spain on penalties in the final.
The 27-year-old, who is Black, struggled in England's quarter-final win over Sweden as the Lionesses conceded two first-half goals, after which she was targeted.
"Following the reports an investigation was launched by the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), working in partnership with social media companies to identify the people responsible," Cheshire Police said in a statement.
"Today, Thursday 28 August, officers from Lancashire Police have arrested a 59-year-old man from Great Harwood on suspicion of Malicious Communications in relation to some of the messages.
"He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue."
Carter received support from far and wide, including her teammates, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European soccer's governing body UEFA, her club Gotham FC and the National Women's Soccer League.
(Reporting by Muvija M, Writing by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru;Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Racial abuse refers to any form of verbal or physical attack that targets an individual based on their race or ethnicity. It can occur in various settings, including online platforms, and is considered a serious offense.
Online harassment involves using digital platforms to intimidate, threaten, or harm individuals. This can include bullying, stalking, or sending abusive messages through social media or other online channels.
Police investigate reports of online abuse to identify perpetrators and take appropriate legal action. They often collaborate with social media companies to track down offenders and gather evidence.
Social media can significantly amplify both support and criticism for public figures. It allows for direct interaction with fans but also exposes them to negative comments and harassment.
Community support is crucial for victims of abuse as it helps them feel less isolated and more empowered. It can come from friends, family, organizations, and the public, providing emotional and practical assistance.
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