Chelsea have condemned homophobic abuse geared toward striker Sam Kerr after she introduced she was anticipating a child with West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.
The 31-year-old Australia captain, who has missed nearly all of this 12 months with an ACL harm, revealed the information in a put up on Instagram on Monday, saying: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!”
It got here with an image of the couple kissing and exhibiting off Mewis’ child bump.
Whereas many had been fast to congratulate them, they confronted what Chelsea described as “unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments”.
Feedback on Kerr’s authentic put up had been additionally restricted after it had initially gone up.
In an announcement, a spokesperson for Chelsea stated: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.
“There isn’t a place in society for any type of discrimination and we won’t settle for any abuse directed in direction of our gamers, employees or supporters.
“We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”
Chelsea Satisfaction condemns abuse directed at Kerr after child announcement
The membership’s LGBTQ+ and mates supporter group Chelsea Satisfaction additionally known as the feedback “hateful”, denouncing the social media feedback directed at Kerr and Mewis, who obtained engaged final 12 months.
“Homophobia has no place in football, 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 comments when we should be celebrating love, pride, and unity.
“Over the weekend and at the moment, 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 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.
“We refuse to face by in silence. At Chelsea Satisfaction, we stand towards each act of homophobia with unwavering energy and fervour.
“We fight for a football world where every player, fan, and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.
“That is our recreation, our membership, and our unwavering dedication: Hate won’t ever win right here. We’ll at all times stand for love, unity, and an inclusive future for soccer.”
