Lionesses no longer take the knee after Jess Carter faces racist abuse

In Switzerland on July 20, 2025, the Lionesses announced they would not take the knee before their Euro 2025 semi-final match against Italy. This decision followed England defender Jess Carter experiencing severe racist abuse on social media during the ongoing tournament, which intensified after their quarter-final victory over Sweden. In response to the abuse and to protect her mental well-being, Carter decided to step back from social media, highlighting the psychological impacts of such abuse on athletes. Following discussions within the squad, Lucy Bronze articulated the collective sentiment that the anti-racism message associated with taking the knee had waned in effectiveness. The Lionesses expressed their need for alternative methods to combat racism, suggesting growing frustration with the persistence of hate despite public demonstrations against it. Their stance has sparked debates about the symbolism of taking the knee versus other possible actions that could denote solidarity and a commitment to combating racism in sports. The Football Association has been proactive in responding to this issue, working alongside UK police and social media platforms to seek accountability for individuals who perpetuate racist abuse online. In statements echoing their commitment to addressing racism, they emphasized that players should feel safe while performing their jobs and critiqued social media platforms for not taking stronger actions against hate speech. This situation has also led some players to consider boycotting social media altogether due to its toxic environment, further underscoring the mental health implications of online harassment. The collective decision by the Lionesses marks a pivotal moment in their anti-racism efforts, as they strive to redefine how they stand against discrimination. With the visibility of women's football increasing, players like Bronze highlighted the irony that as their platform enhances, so does the abuse they receive. They are now pushing for significant changes in how authorities, including social media companies, manage issues of racism and provide safety for athletes, looking for more robust actions and accountability rather than minimal changes that have previously been instituted.