Article body analysed
Chelsea have called abuse targeted at one of their players as 'hateful' and 'unacceptable'
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Chelsea have called "hateful" homophobia aimed at striker Sam Kerr "unacceptable". Kerr, 31, announced she was having a baby with her long-time partner and US and West Ham player Kristie Mewis on Monday. After revealing the news, homophobic hate was posted across social media. Clubs and journalists had to turn off comments on their congratulatory posts because of the abuse that ensued. In a statement, a Chelsea spokesperson said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms. "There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters. "We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities. ” Chelsea Pride, the club's LGBTQ+ supporters group, labelled the abuse "heartbreaking and infuriating". The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. They wrote on social media: "Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society. "Over the weekend and today, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts, posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child in 2025. "'No to Hate"' isn't just a slogan; it's a battle cry. It's a reminder that we must keep fighting for what is right, for true acceptance, and for a game that embraces everyone without exception. " All clubs in the Women's Super League and Women's Championship worked with Rainbow Laces with initiatives to promote inclusion in the game. Kerr and Mewis, who have been dating since 2021, said their baby is due in 2025. Australia international Kerr is currently sidelined with injury after rupturing her ACL in January but has teased she will be "back soon" for Chelsea. Mewis, meanwhile, signed for West Ham in December and has played four games for the Hammers. Sarah joined the Four Four Two team in September 2024 in a freelance role. She also writes for The Guardian, BBC and Rugby World where she specialises in women's football and rugby. Sarah has a bachelors degree in English and a master's in newspaper journalism. Lauren Hemp: Manchester City forward has knee surgery but how long is she out? Leicester City v Man Utd: A crucial match in the visitor's season Tottenham captain Son Heung-min primed for exit, with transfer talks on the horizon: report Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.