November 20 – Chelsea have condemned homophobic abuse aimed at star striker Sam Kerr after she announced she was expecting a baby with West Ham United Women’s midfielder Kristie Mewis.
The 31-year-old Australia captain revealed the news in a post on Instagram on Monday, saying: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!”
While many were quick to congratulate them, they faced a number of homophobic messages.
“Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms,” a club statement said.
“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.”
Kerr, one of the stars of the women’s game, got engaged to US international Mewis last year but has missed the majority of this year with an ACL injury.
Chelsea women’s team manager Sonia Bompastor also condemned the homophobic abuse.
“This is just unacceptable to have these kind of comments, especially in our world in 2024,” Bompastor told a news conference ahead of Chelsea’s game against Celtic in the Women’s Champions League. “That’s just crazy for me to understand how people can react like this.”
Chelsea captain Millie Bright said the team is rallying around the couple.
“Regardless of whether you are a footballer, it doesn’t matter what your job is, there shouldn’t be any room in this world for comments like that. It’s not tolerated,” she said.
“I’d like to see more done about it – if I wasn’t a footballer I’d come off social media in a heartbeat. We focus on the positives and will highlight what a beautiful moment it is for two people very close to me to bring a little one into the world.”
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