Chelsea have condemned homophobic abuse geared toward striker Sam Kerr after saying she was having a child with West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.
Australia captain Kerr, who has spent most of 2024 sidelined with an ACL damage, introduced she was anticipating a child with accomplice Mewis, who’s a USA worldwide, on Monday, saying on Instagram: “Mewis-Kerr child coming 2025!”
It got here with an image of the pair kissing and exhibiting Mewis’ bump.
However whereas they obtained many messages of congratulations, they confronted what Chelsea say have been “unacceptable and hateful homophobic feedback”.
In an announcement, a spokesperson for Chelsea stated: “Chelsea Soccer Membership is conscious of current unacceptable and hateful homophobic feedback revealed throughout numerous social media platforms.
“There is no such thing as a place in society for any type of discrimination and we won’t settle for any abuse directed in direction of our gamers, workers or supporters.
“We’re extraordinarily proud to be a various, inclusive membership that celebrates and welcomes folks from all cultures, communities and identities.”
England supervisor Sarina Wiegman was requested in regards to the incident throughout a press convention on Tuesday, saying: “It is vitally, very disappointing.
“I’m actually completely happy for them. They give the impression of being actually completely happy and I hope all of it goes properly.”
Chelsea Delight: Kerr abuse ‘heartbreaking’
The membership’s LGBTQ+ group Chelsea Delight additionally expressed their disappointment on the feedback, labelling them “hateful”.
“Homophobia has no place in soccer, at Chelsea, or in our society,” stated an announcement posted on X.
“It’s heart-breaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful feedback after we ought to be celebrating love, satisfaction, and unity.
“Over the weekend and right now, our membership was pressured to close down feedback and even delete posts, posts that ought to have been shining moments of pleasure, from the highly effective symbolism of Rainbow Laces to the unbelievable information that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a baby in 2025.
“‘No to Hate’ isn’t only a slogan; it’s a battle cry. It’s a reminder that we should preserve combating for what is true, for true acceptance, and for a sport that embraces everybody with out exception.
“We refuse to face by in silence. At Chelsea Delight, we stand towards each act of homophobia with unwavering power and keenness.
“We combat for a soccer world the place each participant, fan, and household can dwell overtly and be celebrated, with out concern or prejudice.
“That is our sport, our membership, and our unwavering dedication: Hate won’t ever win right here. We’ll all the time stand for love, unity, and an inclusive future for soccer.”
