Chelsea slam ‘unacceptable’ homophobic comments aimed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis after pregnancy news
Club says it “will not accept any abuse” directed towards players and staff after Blues striker Kerr turns off comments on Instagram post
CHELSEA have hit out at “homophobic” remarks directed at Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis after the couple announced they are expecting a baby.
On Monday, the Blues star took to Instagram to reveal that West Ham midfielder Mewis is pregnant, with their child expected in 2025.
The post featured black and white photos of the couple with Kerr seen pointing towards her fiancee’s stomach.
An accompanying message which read “Mewis-Kerr baby incoming”.
The duo, who got engaged last year, were also pictured holding up an ultrasound image.
While several WSL players and coaches, including West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner, took to X and Instagram to congratulate the couple, other social media accounts posted vile remarks.
Kerr, who is working her way back to fitness from a knee ligament tear sustained in January, was forced to block comments on her post soon after the announcement was published.
And today WSL leaders Chelsea hit out at the “hateful homophobic” remarks.
In a statement shared today, they 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.”
A supporters group for Blues fans in the LGBTQ community described the comments directed at Kerr as “heart-breaking and infuriating”.
In a post shared via their account on X, Chelsea Pride wrote: “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society.
“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, 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.
“We refuse to stand by in silence.
“We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.”