- A Chelsea LGBTQ+ supporters group hit out at trolls for their ‘hateful comments’
- Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis announced that they were expecting a baby
- The footballers were forced to shut down comments on their Instagram account
A Chelsea LGBTQ+ supporter group has lashed out against online trolls who sent ‘disgusting messages’ to Matildas star Sam Kerr and her fiancee and United States international Kristie Mewis.
On Monday, the couple took to Instagram to share the news that they were expecting a baby.
They posted several heartwarming pictures on the platform, with the Chelsea and West Ham star photographed smiling and sharing a kiss in excitement over the news.
The pair held up a picture of Mewis’ scan, with Kerr being seen pointing to her partner’s tummy with a huge smile.
Unfortunately, despite receiving large-scale support and congratulatory messages, the comments on the Instagram post contained a large number of unsavoury and offensive comments.
Some have hit out online at the online trolls, expressing their dismay over the comments.
Chelsea Pride, an organisation who have an aim to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ fans and allies at the club, were among those expressing concerns over some of the comments Kerr and Mewis received, releasing a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
‘Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society,’ the statement read.
‘It’s heartbreaking 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.’
Mail Sport has contacted Chelsea FC and West Ham United for comment.
While reaction to their Instagram post largely celebrated the couple’s exciting news, multiple online trolls had posted some unsavoury comments.
Multiple users were seen writing ‘how?’ in the comments section, while one wrote ‘Nonsense’.
Another added: ‘I don’t really know what to comment for love and respect I have for you but come on, you ladies should just stop deceiving yourselves.’
Sadly, the couple were forced to turn off comments on their social media post, with some rising to the defence of the football stars.
One X (formerly Twitter) user blasted some of the responses to the couple’s heartwarming social media post, also claiming that Kerr’s English Women’s Super League team Chelsea had deleted a social media post celebrating the couple’s news.
‘Chelsea have now deleted the post about Sam and Kristie on this app and turned the comments off on Instagram,’ the X user wrote.
‘How in 2024 are we still seeing the same discrimination?
‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. It’s simple.’
One social media user reacted to the Instagram post by writing: ‘Congratulations guys!
‘For anyone confused, please use Google and learn about the reproductive system, science and self-awareness, have a day off your bibles and do us all a favour.
‘It’s exhausting to read 50 different ways that people spell pregnant and “I’m confused”.’
Despite the nasty comments, the WSL stars received congratulatory messages from several stars from the world of sport, including Aussie star Mary Fowler and Lionesses stars Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly.
