Chelsea have condemned homophobic abuse aimed at striker Sam Kerr after announcing she was having a baby with West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.
Australia captain Kerr, who has spent most of 2024 sidelined with an ACL injury, announced she was expecting a baby with partner Mewis, who is a USA international, on Monday, saying on Instagram: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!”
It came with a picture of the pair kissing and showing Mewis’ bump.
But while they received many messages of congratulations, they faced what Chelsea say were “unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments”.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Chelsea said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.
“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.”
England manager Sarina Wiegman was asked about the incident during a press conference on Tuesday, saying: “It is very, very disappointing.
“I’m really happy for them. They look really happy and I hope it all goes well.”
Chelsea Pride: Kerr abuse ‘heartbreaking’
The club’s LGBTQ+ group Chelsea Pride also expressed their disappointment at the comments, labelling them “hateful”.
“Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society,” said a statement 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 today, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts, posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child 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 stand by in silence. At Chelsea Pride, we stand against every act of homophobia with unwavering strength and passion.
“We fight for a football world where every player, fan, and family 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.”