A 60-year-old man has admitted sending racist and abusive messages to England footballer Jess Carter during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, in a case highlighting the ongoing problem of online hate crimes in sport.

Nigel Dewale, from Great Harwood in Lancashire, pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court to sending a malicious communication via a public communications network between 19 and 23 June 2025.

Details of the Abuse

The abusive messages were sent to Carter’s TikTok account while the Lionesses were defending their European title—a tournament that England ultimately won. The posts included a derogatory reference to Carter’s race, falsely claiming that people with brown skin were “murderers” and “groomers.”

The messages caused significant distress to Carter, a 28-year-old central defender, who plays club football for Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. She has previously represented Chelsea and Birmingham City in the UK.

Following the abuse, Carter stepped away from social media temporarily, highlighting the emotional toll such attacks can have on professional athletes.

Legal Proceedings

Dewale also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, namely an extendable baton, in a private place in February 2025. Magistrates adjourned the case until 25 March for pre-sentence reports and advised Dewale that all sentencing options remain open, including imprisonment. He was granted unconditional bail.

Police and Football Authorities Respond

Lancashire Police confirmed that the UK Football Policing Unit launched an investigation in July 2025 and traced the abusive messages to Dewale, leading to his arrest in August.

Mark Roberts, Chief Constable for Cheshire Police and the national lead for football policing, condemned the behaviour:

“Dewale’s comments were totally abhorrent. They caused emotional distress for Miss Carter and her family. Hate crime, whether online or in person, is not acceptable. As this case shows, you cannot hide behind a social media profile to post vile comments and spread hate.”

The case underscores the seriousness with which online hate crime is treated in football, sending a clear message that social media cannot be used as a shield to target athletes.

Jess Carter’s Career and Impact

Jess Carter, born in Warwick, is considered one of England’s top defenders. She has been a key part of the Lionesses’ defensive line and contributed to England’s success at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. Her move to Gotham FC in the United States reflects her growing international profile, and she continues to inspire young female footballers globally.

The incident also highlights broader discussions about racial abuse in football and the mental health challenges faced by players subjected to online harassment. Football authorities have reiterated their commitment to tackling hate crime in sport and ensuring players are protected from abuse both on and off the field.