Lionesses Call Out Abuse as Euro 2025 Progresses

As women’s football stretches its reach and visibility, England’s Lucy Bronze says the rise in popularity is being matched by a surge in abuse, especially online. The full-back, 33, spoke after teammate Jess Carter revealed she had received racist messages during the 2025 European Championship.

Carter has since withdrawn from social media, describing the abuse as “a lot of racial abuse during the tournament.” The Football Association confirmed it is working with police to track down those responsible.

Ahead of their semi-final against Italy on Tuesday, Bronze said the scrutiny that comes with success has brought increased threats: “The bigger the game gets, the bigger the noise becomes … but the more critics there are,” she said. “We’re obviously open to critics – that’s why we love the sport – but we’re not open to abuse.”

Players have shifted approach before matches, opting to stop taking the knee. Instead, Bronze said they want a gesture “that will create noise around the world.”

“In men’s football, abuse is more visible inside the stadiums. For women’s football, it’s largely online. There seems to be a real target,” Bronze continued. “There is a way to make a change… I don’t have the answer, but I’m sure that there is one.”

Bronze added that the Lionesses had team meetings about online abuse before the tournament kicked off. Arsenal striker Alessia Russo also avoids social platforms to avoid the damage comments can inflict. Chelsea’s Lauren James shared similar experiences, referencing the persistent abuse she’s faced since the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

This all echoes comments made by tennis player Katie Boulter, who recently said she’d faced abuse and death threats online.

In 2021, players and clubs carried out a four-day social media blackout to protest online hate.

Now, ahead of each match, rather than kneeling, the Lionesses will stand in formation to show unity. Bronze believes this new action carries weight: “We know the people higher up can implement change, but we’re never helpless as players.”

“Our voices are loud enough to be heard … whether by social media platforms or organisations like UEFA and FIFA.”

She added more pressure must be applied on tech companies: “People need to be held accountable … We don’t want it to be small steps anymore. No player needs social media. We love playing football. We love connecting with fans, but we don’t need [social media]. Platforms should be aware of that.”

Speaking about Carter coming forward, Bronze said: “For her to speak out is so empowering to our whole team … especially to the likes of someone like Michelle [Agyemang] who is in her first tournament.”

“The team and country are behind [Carter]. That means a lot. A lot of players have known this is a problem. Hearing Jess talk about it just brings fresh disappointment.”

England defender Alex Greenwood, meanwhile, said that taking the knee “lost its purpose.” She added: “We don’t stand for abuse. We hope other teams and organisations feel the same. But at this moment, the responsibility is with us.”

UEFA introduced an abuse monitoring system for major competitions in 2022, which remains active for this year’s Euros. The results will be published after the final.

FIFA, in May, updated its disciplinary rules, introducing tougher bans and stiffer fines in response to racist abuse. Its social media protection service, which flagged over 7,000 abusive comments during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, remains in place.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino voiced support for Carter, saying: “No player should be discriminated against in any way. They should be free to be at their very best on the pitch.”