Man arrested in relation to online racial abuse

During the UEFA Women’s Euros, in July 2025, police received reports that racist and abusive messages had been sent to the England defender Jess Carter.

Following the reports an investigation was launched by the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), working in partnership with social media companies to identify the people responsible.

Today, Thursday 28 August, officers from Lancashire Police have arrested a 59-year-old man from Great Harwood on suspicion of Malicious Communications in relation to some of the messages.

He has since been released under investigation while 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 Police said:

“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.”