A man has confessed to sending abhorrent racist messages to England women’s soccer player Jess Carter via social media during Euro 2025 last year. Nigel Dewale, 59, acknowledged sending offensive and harmful messages to the professional athlete when he appeared in front of magistrates. The police had previously labeled the messages as “appalling and disgusting.”
Dewale, a resident of Great Harwood, Lancs, pleaded guilty to one count of sending malicious communications and possessing a weapon in a private setting during his appearance at Blackburn magistrates. His sentencing is scheduled for March 25.
Jess Carter, aged 28, was a member of the successful Lionesses squad that defended their title last summer. In July last year, during the Women’s Euros, the UK Football Policing Unit initiated an investigation into multiple malicious and hateful social media messages directed at England defender Carter.
Law enforcement traced some of the messages back to Dewale’s residence. He was apprehended in August and subsequently charged with the offenses.
Cheshire Police Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the NPCC lead for football policing, emphasized personal accountability for one’s actions, whether online or in person. He condemned Dewale’s behavior as abhorrent and distressing to Miss Carter and her family, welcoming Dewale’s guilty plea.
PC Dan Fish, a dedicated football officer at Lancashire Police, condemned Dewale’s abominable messages, affirming Lancashire Police’s zero-tolerance stance towards hate in any form. Fish emphasized the need to hold individuals accountable for hate crimes.
The Football Association spokesperson acknowledged Dewale’s admission of sending abusive and discriminatory social media messages to Jess Carter, highlighting that such behavior will not be tolerated. The association expressed support for the players impacted by online abuse and vowed to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators face consequences.
Jess Carter, following the semi-final match against Italy last summer, expressed the challenges she faced due to the online abuse. She underscored the importance of speaking out against racism and emphasized that performance should not be judged based on skin color. Carter appreciated the tremendous support from fans and her team, noting the encouragement she received to address the issue publicly.
She further shared her motivation to stand up against discrimination, aiming to inspire her mixed-race family members to be resilient and empowered individuals. Carter hoped that by speaking out, it would deter individuals from making hurtful comments.
