A man has been arrested over the “disgusting” racist abuse sent to England Lioness Jess Carter via social media during the UEFA Women’s Euros.
A 59-year-old man from Great Harwood, Lancashire, was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications on Thursday, weeks after the Lionesses defended their Euros title in Switzerland.
Carter was forced to take a step back from social media during the tournament after being subject to “a lot of racial abuse”.
The Football Association had said it was working with the police following the hurtful messages at the time.
Following the abuse, the England team decided to stand with Carter and not take the knee before their semi-final against Italy, as “it is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism".
Taking to social media, Carter said during the Euros: "From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse. Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don't agree or think it's ok to target someone's appearance or race.
"As a result of this I will be taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with.
"As ever I am grateful for all of the support from the genuine fans but I am taking this measure to protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team any way I can.
"Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it.
"We have made some historic changes with this Lionesses squad that I am so proud to be a part of and my hope is that by speaking out about this it will make another positive change for all.
“I'm now looking forward and focusing on putting all of my energy into helping my team."
Chesire Police confirmed on Thursday it had received reports of racist and abusive messages being sent to Carter during the tournament.
An investigation was launched by the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), working in partnership with social media companies to identify the people responsible.
The 59-year-old man who was arrested has since been released under investigation and police enquiries continue.
Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chief Council (NPCC) lead for football policing, said:“The messages directed towards Jess Carter were appalling and I would like to commend her for standing up to this abuse and assisting with our investigation.
"Nobody should be subjected to such disgusting abuse, and I expect that today’s arrest will be the first of many over the coming months.
“We want to make it clear that racist abuse of this nature will not be tolerated. Everyone is responsible for what they do and say, and we want to ensure offenders cannot hide behind a social media profile to post vile comments.”
Police Constable Dan Fish from Lancashire Constabulary added:“Lancashire Police does not tolerate hate of any form, either in person or online.
“I hope this arrest sends out a clear message that Lancashire Police will leave no stone unturned in identifying those who engage in such unacceptable behaviour – no matter how long it takes.”
