England has ceased the practice of taking a knee prior to Euro 2025 matches.
England's football team and authorities are actively addressing the racial abuse faced by Jess Carter during the Euro 2025 tournament. Carter, a defender for England and Gotham FC, released a statement about receiving racist abuse online, which has led to her decision to step away from social media during the tournament for her mental well-being.
The Football Association (FA) has condemned the abuse, swiftly coordinating with UK police and social media platforms to identify and prosecute those responsible. In a statement, the Lionesses official account said, "It's clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism."
The team has shown solidarity in this matter by deciding to stop taking the knee before their Euro 2025 semifinal against Italy. This gesture, which has been a symbol of support for racial justice, was losing its meaning, and the team believes that football needs new ways to tackle racism.
Prominent players like Lucy Bronze and teammates have expressed their support for Carter and called for greater accountability from social media platforms. Bronze stated that Carter's act of speaking out gives players more power to be brave, stand up, and speak up. She also expressed disappointment in the so-called fans who sent racist messages to Carter.
Defender Lucy Bronze expressed support for Carter, stating that her speaking out was empowering to the team, especially for players like Michelle Agyemang who are in their first tournament. Agyemang, who has also experienced racism during the tournament, has found solace in the team's unified response.
The FA CEO, Mark Bullingham, highlighted that systems were already in place to report abuse quickly and that ongoing discussions with authorities and social media companies aim to prevent such abuse. UEFA, FIFA (with President Gianni Infantino publicly backing Carter and promising full support), Carter’s club Gotham FC, and other stakeholders also issued supportive statements.
In summary, the response includes:
- Public support and solidarity shown by the England team stopping the knee gesture during a key match.
- FA and law enforcement collaboration to pursue legal action against perpetrators.
- Statements of condemnation and commitment from football governing bodies including FIFA and UEFA.
- Calls from players for greater accountability from social media platforms.
- Carter’s personal step back from social media to protect her mental health while receiving full backing from teammates and authorities.
- England has decided to no longer take a knee in a show of support for Carter.
The Lionesses are working with the police to try and hold those responsible for the racist abuse against Carter accountable. The team's unified response serves as a powerful message that racism has no place in football or society.
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