Second arrest over racist abuse sent to footballer

A second man has been arrested over “disgusting” racist abuse sent on social media to England footballer Jess Carter.

Police began investigating after receiving reports the messages had been sent to the 27-year-old defender during the UEFA Women’s Euros in July.

Officers from Derbyshire Constabulary have arrested a 30-year-old man from Ripley on suspicion of making malicious communications.

It follows the arrest of a 59-year-old man, from Great Harwood, Lancashire, on suspicion of the same offence last week.

Cheshire Police’s Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chief Council’s lead for football policing, said: “Nobody should be subjected to such disgusting abuse, and we want to make it clear that racist abuse of this nature will not be tolerated.”

Carter, from Warwick, previously said she was taking a step back from social media after she was targeted with online racism during the tournament.

Following the incident, the UK Football Policing Unit launched an investigation involving social media companies to track down those responsible for the messages.

“I would like to commend her for standing up to this abuse and assisting with our investigation,” Mr Roberts added.