A second arrest has been made in the investigation into online racial abuse targeting England and Gotham FC defender Jess Carter during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
- A 30-year-old man from Ripley was arrested on Tuesday 2 September by Derbyshire Constabulary on suspicion of malicious communications and has since been released on bail.
- This follows an earlier arrest, made on 28 August, of a 59-year-old man from Great Harwood, Lancashire, who remains under investigation.
Jess Carter revealed that she endured widespread online racial abuse while playing in the tournament held in Switzerland. The psychological impact was significant; she said the abuse left her feeling “scared” and led to her stepping away from social media for the remainder of the competition.
Cheshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable Mark Roberts, who serves as the National Police Chief Council’s football policing lead, condemned the abuse, stating that “such behavior will not be tolerated” and emphasizing that “everyone is responsible for what they do and say” — online anonymity offers no shield from accountability.
Derbyshire’s Sergeant Gemma Thursfield underscored that abuse online is no different from abuse in person, reinforcing the importance of treating malicious communications with no less seriousness than physical threats.
Summary:
- Second arrest made (30-year-old, Ripley), released on bail.
- First arrest (59-year-old, Great Harwood) also part of the ongoing investigation.
- Jess Carter received public support and took a social media break due to the abuse.
- Authorities reaffirm that online racism is a serious crime and will be pursued vigorously.
