
In the wake of a vile wave of racial abuse directed at Lionesses star Jess Carter, England legend Lucy Bronze has issued a sobering reminder: “Nobody needs social media to succeed in sport.”
Speaking with clarity and conviction, Bronze didn’t mince her words. While applauding Carter’s bravery and excellence on the field, she slammed the unchecked toxicity that continues to plague digital platforms, calling for urgent accountability from tech companies.
“I think that’s something the platforms should be very aware of,” Bronze stated.
“Nobody needs social media if you want to carry on in sport. We can thrive without it.”
The abuse toward Jess Carter, a standout performer in England’s recent international fixtures, sparked immediate outrage from teammates, fans, and anti-racism campaigners.
Despite her consistent brilliance in defense, the Chelsea star was targeted with racist slurs and vile comments online — an all-too-familiar pattern that continues to haunt Black athletes.
Bronze, a veteran defender who has long used her platform to speak up for justice and equality, made it clear that enough is enough. Her message wasn’t just support for Carter — it was a shot across the bow to the entire tech industry.
“If these apps can’t protect the people who use them, then maybe it’s time to ask ourselves why we’re still giving them space in our lives,” Bronze added.
This isn’t the first time the Lionesses have had to rally against discrimination. From Euro 2022 to the Women’s World Cup, several players have found themselves under racist or sexist attack — often in the aftermath of stellar performances.
Yet, for all the hashtags and temporary bans, the platforms continue to offer little more than symbolic gestures.
Bronze’s words are now resonating beyond football. She represents a growing number of high-profile athletes — from LeBron James to Marcus Rashford — who are calling for structural change, not empty promises. And with this latest incident, the call is becoming louder than ever.
In an age where young talents are told they need “a following” to build their careers, Lucy Bronze is reminding the world of a much deeper truth: talent, passion, and excellence don’t need filters, likes, or follower counts.
“We are who we are — on the pitch, in the training ground, in real life. Not on someone’s toxic comment thread.”
For fans, Carter’s strength in the face of hate is a reminder of why these women are more than athletes — they’re icons of resilience. And for social media companies? This is another chance to fix what’s broken. Before the players — and the public — decide they’re no longer needed.
— Busterblog.com