Chelsea FC have condemned homophobic abuse aimed at the club’s striker Sam Kerr after she announced she was expecting a baby with West Ham United Women’s midfielder Kristie Mewis.
The 31-year-old Australia captain revealed the news in a post on Instagram on Monday, saying: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!”
It came with a picture of the couple kissing and showing off Mewis’ baby bump.
While many were quick to congratulate them, they faced what Chelsea FC described as “unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments”.
Comments on Kerr’s original post were also limited after it had initially gone up.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the football club told Sky News: “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.”
The club’s LGBTQ+ and friends supporter group Chelsea Pride also called the comments “hateful”.
The group added: “‘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.”
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Kerr, one of the stars of the women’s game known for her goal scoring, got engaged to Mewis last year.
She has missed the majority of this year with an ACL injury.