Emma Hayes and Lia Walti condemn ‘disgusting’ online abuse targeting Chelsea player Lauren James
In the wake of Chelsea’s loss to Arsenal in the WSL on Sunday, Emma Hayes has spoken out against the “disgusting amount of abuse” directed at Lauren James. The Blues boss has compared the online trolling of the forward to the vitriol aimed at David Beckham after his 1998 World Cup red card. Speaking ahead of her side’s Women’s Champions League clash with BK Hacken, Hayes expressed her disappointment in the level of abuse that James has endured online, calling it unacceptable. The incident, which occurred during the match against Arsenal, has brought to light the troubling issue of online abuse faced by young players in the world of football. In a statement issued by Chelsea, the club has condemned the online abuse directed towards James and stands strongly against any form of discriminatory behavior. Hayes sees parallels between the trolling of James and the abuse of Beckham during the early stage of his career, highlighting the need for a more respectful and supportive environment for young players in the sport.
Emma Hayes has spoken out against the “disgusting amount of abuse” directed at Lauren James following Chelsea’s loss to Arsenal in the WSL on Sunday. Hayes compared the online trolling of the forward to the vitriol aimed at David Beckham after his 1998 World Cup red card. Chelsea also criticized derogatory comments aimed at James following her challenge on Lia Walti during the Arsenal clash. The incident has sparked online abuse towards James, with some users posting derogatory comments and insults about her. Arsenal’s Lia Walti also called out the derogatory comments aimed at James, defending the Blues player via her official social media account. Chelsea issued a written statement condemning the online abuse directed towards James, standing “strongly against any form of discriminatory behavior.” Hayes expressed her disgust at the level of abuse James has endured, comparing it to the treatment of David Beckham after his red card in 1998. She highlighted the vitriolic nature of social media and the unacceptable level of abuse towards the young player.
