Chelsea have condemned racial abuse directed towards forward Lauren James following Sunday’s Women’s Super League clash with Arsenal.
England international James was at the centre of controversy during the game after appearing to stamp on Arsenal midfielder Lia Walti.
James was shown a yellow card after the incident in the 70th minute at the Emirates Stadium and was substituted by manager Emma Hayes soon after.
Chelsea Football Club condemns the online abuse directed towards Lauren James following Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Arsenal.
The club stands strongly against any form of abuse and discriminatory behaviour. Discrimination has no place at Chelsea… pic.twitter.com/YDSujIP20k
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) December 12, 2023
Chelsea, the WSL champions, were trailing 3-1 at the time and went on to lose 4-1.
A statement from Chelsea read: “Chelsea Football Club condemns the online abuse directed towards Lauren James following Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Arsenal.
“The club stands strongly against any form of abuse and discriminatory behaviour. Discrimination has no place at Chelsea Football Club or in any of our communities.
We stand alongside you LJ. ❤️
Online abuse and discriminatory behaviour has no place in football.
This abhorrent behaviour must have consequences. https://t.co/ntITuR1xTS
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) December 12, 2023
“We will take action against any individual that we can identify. We stand with you, Lauren.”
Those sentiments have also been echoed by the Football Association.
A post on X, formerly Twitter, from the England national team account read: “We stand alongside you LJ. Online abuse and discriminatory behaviour has no place in football. This abhorrent behaviour must have consequences.”
By Andy Hampson, PA
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