#stoponlineabuse

[antifainternational]

Sports bodies to boycott social media for bank holiday weekend over abuse

Leading sports bodies will begin an 84-hour boycott of social media on Friday by stepping up their demands for companies such as Facebook an

[whitesignal]

Lancashire Man Arrested Over Online Racist Abuse Targeting England Star Jess Carter

A 59-year-old man from Great Harwood, Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications following racist and abusive messages sent to England defender Jess Carter during last month’s UEFA Women’s Euros.

Lancashire Police confirmed the arrest on 28 August 2025, stating the man has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue. The investigation was carried out in coordination with the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) and social media platforms.

Abuse During the Euros

Carter, who played a pivotal role in England’s campaign in Switzerland, was subjected to a wave of racial abuse online, particularly after the Lionesses’ quarter-final victory over Sweden. The 27-year-old Chelsea defender later revealed she felt “scared” ahead of the final against Spain and chose to step away from social media during the tournament to protect her mental wellbeing.

Police and Authorities’ Response

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, condemned the abuse as “appalling” and praised Carter’s decision to speak publicly about her experience. He added that the arrest should send a message that online hate will be pursued and offenders held accountable.

PC Dan Fish of Lancashire Police echoed this stance, stressing that there is “no place for hate” and that hiding behind a social media profile does not shield perpetrators from the law.

Wider Crackdown on Online Abuse

The arrest is expected to be the first of several as investigations continue into the racial abuse directed at players during the Euros. The case highlights the persistent issue of discriminatory abuse in football and the growing efforts by police, football authorities, and technology companies to combat it.

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FIFA supports the initiative from English football to call out discriminatory and other offensive abuse on social media #StopOnlineAbuse https://www.instagram.com/p/Cld0xYjvFEk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[arthurgsf]

Sempre @leomessi @bacelbar #Repost @leomessi ... Veo que acabo de llegar a los 200 millones de personas que me siguen en esta red, sin embargo, por lo que está pasando hoy, no voy a tomarlo como motivo de festejo. Por supuesto que agradezco todo el cariño y apoyo que siempre recibo de parte de ustedes, pero creo que llegó el momento de darle importancia a todas las PERSONAS que están detrás de cada perfil, que nos demos cuenta de que detrás de cada cuenta hay una persona de carne y hueso, que ríe, llora, disfruta y sufre, seres humanos con sentimientos. Elevemos nuestra voz para detener el abuso en las redes sociales. Da igual si somos anónimos, famosos, deportistas, árbitros o seguidores de un juego, incluso alguien ajeno a todo esto, da igual la raza, religión, ideología o género... Nadie se merece ser maltratado ni insultado. Convivimos viendo y experimentando abusos, cada vez más y peores en cada una de las redes, sin que nadie haga nada por evitarlo. Debemos condenar con toda firmeza estas actitudes tan hostiles y exigir a las empresas que manejan las redes que tomen medidas urgentes contra estos comportamientos. Me gustaría que ustedes, las 200 millones de personas que me acompañan, se pudieran convertir en los 200 millones de motivos que existen para hacer de las redes un lugar seguro y de respeto, donde podamos compartir lo que queramos sin temor a ser insultados... y que se queden por siempre afuera de ellas los insultos, el racismo, los abusos y las discriminaciones. Para ustedes que forman parte de estas redes y que siempre están junto a mí, espero que me acompañen y apoyen en esta cruzada. Abrazo grande a todos y felicito a toda la gente del fútbol en Reino Unido por su idea de armar la campaña contra el abuso y la discriminación en redes. #BastaYa #StopOnlineAbuse #EnoughIsEnough https://www.instagram.com/p/COVJLNYFJ6O/?igshid=12gomlo7d6fbw

[galleryantiques]

Today, from 3pm, English football and other sports, organisations and individuals stand together against online abuse. I will be joining the boycott of all social media for the next four days! #StopOnlineAbuse #NoRoomForRacism #socialmediaboycott #EnoughIsEnough (at Halesworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/COSuKDCHiCF/?igshid=1938zbtclflzg

[ak-alexandra]

people who use social media to post messages of hate are dirt. i am joining the social media blackout, starting at 3pm on friday. facebook, twitter, instagram, etc must do more to ensure racism, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia and all forms of hate that flow through their platforms unabated, is dealt with and the perpetrators face some kind of consequence. i have received anonymous, random messages of hatred on social media and no one should have to live with that. #socialmediablackout #endracism #stoponlineabuse #nottodayoranyday https://www.instagram.com/p/COSt5SHHyRE/?igshid=czfm81ps2yg4

[shannybasar]

@jhenderson on social media boycott by football which starts this afternoon - am joining as a fan #stoponlineabuse https://www.instagram.com/p/COSJytEhPzL/?igshid=14b1ljhhvl9t5

[frankpodmore]

♲ Kick It Out ([email protected])2021-04-30 08:00:16:

Today, from 3pm, English football and wider sport, stands together against online abuse. Join us and switch off too, as we collectively demand change. #TakeAStand | #StopOnlineAbuse