Who Was Arrested for Racist Abuse Against Jess Carter?

A 59-year-old man has been arrested for sending "disgusting and appalling" racist abuse via social media to England footballer Jess Carter. This follows an investigation launched by police after the messages were reported during the UEFA Women's Euros tournament in July.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• A man from Great Harwood was arrested for racist abuse directed at Jess Carter.
• The investigation was initiated by police following reports during the UEFA Women's Euros.
• Chief Constable Mark Roberts emphasised that such abuse will not be tolerated.
• Carter has decided to take a break from social media due to the online racism she faced.
• Police are committed to identifying and prosecuting offenders behind online hate.

Background of the Case

The incident involving Jess Carter, a 27-year-old defender for the England women's football team, highlights the ongoing issue of online racism in sports. Reports surfaced during the UEFA Women's Euros, which took place in July, prompting Lancashire Police to launch an investigation. The messages sent to Carter were described as "appalling" by Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, signalling a strong stance against racial abuse in sports.

The Investigation Process

Following the reports of abuse, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) took charge of the investigation. This unit collaborated with social media companies to trace the individuals responsible for the hateful messages. The police's proactive approach aims to establish accountability for online actions, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice regardless of their anonymity on social media platforms.

The Arrest

On 25 October 2023, a 59-year-old man from Great Harwood was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications. After the arrest, he was released under investigation as inquiries continue. Lancashire Police have publicly shared body cam footage documenting the arrest, reinforcing their commitment to transparency and accountability in dealing with hate-related crimes.

The Impact on Jess Carter

In light of the abuse she received, Jess Carter has chosen to step back from social media. The decision reflects a growing concern among athletes about the mental health implications of online harassment. Such actions not only affect the individuals targeted but also raise awareness about the pervasive nature of racism in sports and society.

Statements from Law Enforcement

Chief Constable Roberts has expressed his support for Carter, stating, "I would like to commend her for standing up to this abuse and assisting with our investigation." His remarks underscore the importance of victims coming forward to report such incidents, which can help law enforcement agencies take decisive action. He also hinted at the possibility of further arrests, indicating a broader crackdown on online racism: "I expect this arrest to be the first of many over the coming months."

Police Commitment to Action

PC Dan Fish from Lancashire Police reiterated that hate in any form, whether online or offline, is unacceptable. He emphasised the police's determination to "leave no stone unturned" in identifying those responsible for such behaviour. This commitment is crucial in fostering a safe environment for athletes and ensuring that they can participate in their sport free from discrimination.

Broader Implications for Football and Society

The case against the man in Great Harwood reflects a growing recognition of the need to address racism in football. While the sport has made strides in promoting diversity and inclusion, incidents of racist abuse continue to mar its reputation. This highlights the importance of ongoing educational initiatives and community engagement to combat racism effectively.

Conclusion

As the investigation progresses, it remains vital for the sporting community and society at large to come together to combat racism. The actions taken against individuals who perpetrate online abuse are crucial steps towards fostering an inclusive environment for all athletes. As discussions around racism in sports continue, it is clear that concrete action is necessary to create a culture of respect and dignity.

What measures can be taken to further support athletes facing online abuse? The conversation surrounding this topic is essential as we strive to create a better future for sports. #RacismInSports #JessCarter #OnlineAbuse

FAQs

What happened to Jess Carter?

Jess Carter, an England footballer, received racist abuse on social media during the UEFA Women's Euros in July 2023. A man has since been arrested in connection with the incident.

Who was arrested in connection with the racist abuse?

A 59-year-old man from Great Harwood was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications related to the racist messages sent to Jess Carter.

What did the police say about the incident?

Chief Constable Mark Roberts described the messages sent to Carter as "appalling" and emphasised that such racist abuse will not be tolerated.

What actions have been taken against online hate?

The UK Football Policing Unit is actively pursuing leads to identify individuals responsible for online hate, collaborating with social media companies to strengthen accountability.

How has Jess Carter responded to the abuse?

In response to the racist abuse, Jess Carter has decided to take a step back from social media, citing the impact of the online harassment on her well-being.