The international anti-discrimination organisation Fare has expressed concern over England's decision to stop taking the knee ahead of Euro 2025 matches, following the racial abuse directed at defender Jess Carter on social media.
The Lionesses announced on Sunday that they would no longer perform the anti-racism gesture, stating that it was “clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism.” The Football Association (FA) has endorsed the players’ decision, which was led by the squad.
Piara Powar, executive director of Fare, acknowledged the players' right to choose their approach but questioned the logic behind halting the symbolic gesture at this particular time.
“I don’t see the connection between the gesture and the abuse. Taking the knee remains a powerful anti-racist statement," Powar told BBC Sport. “This England team has set a standard across Europe with its consistent leadership. Now, more than ever, we need strong, visible actions to confront the racism we are witnessing.”
Powar also called for urgent enforcement of the UK’s Online Safety Act, which came into law in October 2023 and mandates social media platforms to protect users from harmful content, including racist abuse. Ofcom, the regulator tasked with enforcing the Act, assumed full powers in March 2024.
“The racist abuse of Jess Carter highlights once again the toxicity present on social media," Powar said. “This is a litmus test for the Online Safety Act. Ofcom must take visible, decisive action. So far, there’s no clear evidence of enforcement.”
A spokesperson for the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed that it had received a report concerning the abuse aimed at Carter and is working with Meta and X (formerly Twitter) to trace the perpetrators.
“We treat all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and are supporting Jess Carter’s family during this investigation,” the statement read.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also condemned the abuse, reiterating his support for the England squad. “There is no place for racism in football or anywhere in society. I stand with Jess, the Lionesses, and all players who have faced such disgraceful treatment,” he said.
Starmer has pledged to explore additional protections for users on social media platforms, signalling further government intervention may be on the horizon.
The Lionesses’ decision to stop taking the knee has drawn both praise and concern from figures within the anti-racism space. Shaista Aziz, co-director of the anti-racism group The Three Hijabis, described the move as a strategic evolution rather than a retreat.
“Taking the knee is a historically powerful symbol, rooted in the U.S. civil rights movement,” Aziz told BBC Radio 5 Live. “But the Lionesses are suggesting the symbol has been co-opted and politicised—used to mock so-called ‘woke culture.’ By stepping away, they are reclaiming the debate and insisting that symbolism alone is no longer enough. That, in itself, is a powerful act.”
Meanwhile, Kick It Out chair Sanjay Bhandari echoed the urgency for reform in social media regulation. “Social media platforms have regressed in recent years,” he told Sky News. “They must do more to combat online toxicity and provide tools to protect users. They are failing in that responsibility.”
Jess Carter, who has featured in every match for England during Euro 2025, has faced intensified scrutiny—both for her performances and the racist abuse she has received online. The latest incidents followed a high-pressure quarter-final against Sweden, where Carter endured a difficult outing before England mounted a comeback to win on penalties.
Unfortunately, abuse on social media is not new to women’s football. During the 2023 Women's World Cup, England forward Lauren James was similarly targeted following her red card against Nigeria. She was subjected to further abuse later that year after Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.
The Lionesses have consistently demonstrated unity in the face of such attacks, with the current response being led by players alongside the FA. Sunday's announcement was the result of internal discussions among senior members of the squad and staff.
Carter’s place in the starting XI for Tuesday’s semi-final against Italy remains uncertain. Defender Esme Morgan is pushing for a spot after an impressive showing against Sweden. England manager Sarina Wiegman faces a critical decision—not only tactically, but also in terms of protecting Carter from further abuse, which has intensified throughout the tournament.
The episode reflects the complex intersection of on-pitch performance, social justice, and digital accountability—raising urgent questions about how the sport, its institutions, and society respond to persistent racism in the modern era.
