Lucy Bronze on the increase in racism at the women’s game following the messages aimed towards Jess Carter.
More abuse as women’s football grows – Lucy Bronze.
Following teammate Jess Carter’s revelation that she received racist comments during Euro 2025, England defender Lucy Bronze claims that players are subjected to more abuse as women’s football grows in popularity.
Carter stated that the Football Association is “working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice” and that she will step back from social media after encountering “a lot of racial abuse” throughout the competition.
Asserting that it is “clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism,” the Lionesses will also no longer participate in the anti-racism gesture of kneeling before games.
Bronze, who is always present as England prepares to play Italy in the Euro 2025 semi-final on Tuesday, claimed that players had experienced “more abuse” since winning on the international stage.
“The bigger the game gets, the bigger the noise becomes, the more fans there are, but the more critics there are,” said the full-back, 33.
“We’re obviously open to critics – that’s why we love the sport – but we’re not open to abuse. Especially in women’s football, the online abuse seems to be getting worse and worse.
“We see it more in the stadiums in men’s football and online, but I think with women’s football there seems to be a real target online.
“It’s something that we’re very aware of. There is a way to make a change. There is a solution. I don’t have the answer, but I’m sure that there is one.”