Chelsea condemned homophobic abuse of striker Sam Kerr after she announced she was expecting a baby with West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.
The 31-year-old Australian captain, who missed most of the year with an ACL injury, revealed the news in an Instagram post on Monday, saying: “Baby Mewis-Kerr is coming in 2025”.
It came with a photo of the couple kissing and showing off Mewis’ belly.
While many were quick to congratulate them, they faced what Chelsea described as “inappropriate, hateful homophobic comments”.
Comments on Kerr’s original post were also limited after it first appeared.
In a statement, a Chelsea spokesperson said: “The Chelsea Soccer Membership is aware of the inappropriate and hateful homophobic comments that have been posted recently on various social media platforms.
“There is no place in society for discrimination of any kind and we will not tolerate any abuse towards our players, staff or supporters.
“We are very proud to be a diverse and inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people of all cultures, communities and identities.”
Chelsea Satisfaction slams abuse directed at Kerr after baby announcement
The club’s LGBTQ+ supporters and friends group, Chelsea Satisfaction, called the comments “hateful”, denyinga social media social media sent to Kerr and Mewis, who were involved last year.
“Homophobia has no place in football, in Chelsea or in our society,” read a statement published in X.
“It is heartbreaking and disturbing to see social media filled with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride and unity.
“Over the weekend and today, our club has had to shut down comments and even delete posts – posts that should have been bright moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces to the amazing news of Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis They will welcome their child in 2025.
“‘No Hate’ is not just a slogan; It is a battle cry. It is a reminder that we must continue to fight for what is right, for true acceptance and for a game that includes everyone without exception.
“We refuse to remain silent. At Chelsea Satisfaction, we oppose all acts of homophobia with unrelenting force and passion.
“We are fighting for a football world where all players, fans and families can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.
“This is our game, our club and our unwavering commitment: hate will never win here. “We will always stand for love, unity and an inclusive future for football. “
2024-11-19 14:04:00
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What measures can football clubs implement to combat homophobic abuse and support their LGBTQ+ players effectively?
Sure, I would be happy to assist you with that. Here’s an interview with two guests discussing the homophobic abuse directed at Chelsea striker Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis, as well as the club’s response to the situation:
Section 1: Guest 1
Guest 1: Hello, thank you for joining me today. Can you please introduce yourself and share your thoughts on the recent incident involving Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis?
Guest 2: Hello, my name is John. I’m a journalist who covers LGBTQ+ issues in sports. The incident involving Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis is disappointing but not surprising. Unfortunately, homophobia is still prevalent in football and other sports. Even after coming out, players like Sam Kerr can still face such abuse which highlights the need for clubs and fans to create safe spaces for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Section 2: Guest 2
Guest 2: I completely agree with you, John. It’s great to see Chelsea condemning the homophobic abuse directed at Sam Kerr and their dedication to promoting inclusion within the club and the sport. As a fan myself, I think it’s important for clubs to take a strong stance against discrimination in all forms. What do you think clubs like Chelsea can do to ensure that their players feel safe and supported while playing the game they love?
Guest 1: That’s a great question, and I think there are several steps they can take. Firstly, they can continue to promote and support initiatives like Rainbow Laces, which raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in sports. They can also ensure that their anti-discrimination policies are clear and enforced, both inside the club and in the fanbase. Additionally, clubs can work with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like Stonewall to create inclusive environments for everyone.
Section 3: Both Guests
Both Guests: Absolutely. It’s also crucial for fans and social media users to understand the impact of their words and actions. It’s heartening to see Chelsea Satisfaction, the club’s LGBTQ+ supporters and friends group,
