Man avoids prison for racist, sexist social media abuse of England’s Jess Carter

A man has avoided prison after being given a suspended sentence for sending malicious and hateful social media messages to England and Gotham FC defender Jess Carter during the 2025 European Championship.

Nigel Dewale, 59, had pleaded guilty to one count of malicious communications and possession of a weapon in a private place in January. The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed he had been given a six-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

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Dewale has also been handed a four-year football banning order and a three-month curfew between 8pm and 6am.

The UKFPU had launched an investigation in July after hateful and malicious social media messages were sent to Carter during the Euros.

The court heard how one of the messages, described as “racist and highly misogynistic”, had been posted on TikTok and was traced to Dewale’s address in Great Harwood, Lancashire.

Dewale was arrested by Lancashire Police in August and made a “full admission” to the post when questioned.

During Wednesday’s sentencing, he also received a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and was ordered to pay a £154 ($247.20) victim surcharge and £85 ($113.58) in prosecution costs.

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“Everyone is responsible for what they do and say, and posting a message on social media is no different,” Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable and the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) lead for football policing Mark Roberts said. “Dewale sent hateful and malicious messages, thinking that he would be able to hide behind his account name.

“His comments were totally abhorrent, they caused emotional distress for Miss Carter and her family, and I welcome the sentence handed to him today.”

Carter, 28, had released a statement during the Euros in July, stating she had experienced racist abuse since the start of the tournament.

“Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don’t agree or think it’s ok to target someone’s appearance or race,” the defender’s statement said.

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“Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won’t have to deal with it.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those to condemn the abuse.

A Football Association (FA) spokesperson said: “We welcome the decision of the court to hold Nigel Dewale to account for the disgusting messages sent to Jess Carter.

“We are determined to assist the police and authorities in ensuring anyone responsible for such vile hate is made to face justice.”

England had taken the knee before each game at the Euros but following the abuse of Carter the team stopped performing the anti-racism gesture as a mark of solidarity.

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Carter started five of England’s six matches at Euro 2025 as the Lionesses defended their title with victory over Spain in the final.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

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