England's Lionesses Rethink Their Protest After Euro 2025 Racist Abuse
Shockwaves hit the football world when England’s Lionesses, one of the most celebrated women’s national teams, announced they’ll no longer take the knee before matches. This move comes right after defender Jess Carter faced a torrent of racist abuse online during Euro 2025, shining a glaring spotlight on the ugly reality still plaguing the sport.
The team reached this decision after emotional group discussions. The abuse directed at Carter wasn’t a quiet affair—it sent strong ripples through the squad. Carter took a step back from social media to shield herself and stay focused on football, but she decided not to stay silent about the daily onslaught of slurs and hatred she’s endured.
That’s where the team drew the line. In a joint statement, the Lionesses said standing would replace kneeling at their Euro semifinal against Italy on July 21. They stressed their unity behind both Carter and every player—past or present—targeted by racism. Their message: the act of taking the knee, once a powerful symbol, doesn’t pack the same punch anymore. Even with all that kneeling, the abuse has never really stopped.
The Lionesses Demand Action Over Symbolism
Lucy Bronze, one of the team’s most respected voices, spelled it out: "The message [of taking the knee] isn't as strong as it used to be." She talked about the need for action over symbolism, for real change and tangible steps that go far beyond gestures on the pitch. The team isn’t walking away from the fight. They’re just switching lanes—calling on football’s governing powers to do more, much more, to stamp out racism for good.
Carter herself thanked fans for their support and called out the trolls, hoping her story pushes people to think before they type. For her, speaking out isn’t about headlines—it’s about forcing accountability.
The Lionesses aren’t pretending everything’s fixed or that standing instead of kneeling is some magic solution. But they’re not ready to stand quietly, either. Their decision is a deliberate move to shake up the conversation, put pressure on UEFA, and focus public attention on the need for real policies and real consequences.
This isn’t football going quiet. If anything, the Lionesses’ new approach is loud—a clear call for harsher punishments, more support for players, and a game-wide commitment to rooting out the hate that keeps rearing its head, no matter the campaign slogan. Their message stands out: real change needs more than a gesture; it needs guts and action.
Lionesses fans, like football supporters everywhere, are watching closely. Now it’s UEFA and the rest of the sport’s leadership who have to show they’re listening—and ready to do more than just talk.
- Jul, 21 2025
- Cassius Montgomery
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