Chelsea Pride has strongly condemned the homophobic abuse directed at Sam Kerr after the Chelsea striker and her fiancée Kristie Mewis announced they are expecting a baby. The news, shared by Kerr on Instagram, sparked a wave of hateful comments, prompting an outpouring of support from the club’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ group.
The 31-year-old Australia captain shared the joyful announcement on Monday, with a heartwarming post that read, “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!” The post featured a picture of Kerr and Mewis sharing a kiss, with Mewis proudly showing off her baby bump.
However, the celebration was marred by a flood of abusive comments on social media. Chelsea Pride quickly responded, condemning the homophobic messages and reiterating the club’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society,” Chelsea Pride wrote in a statement shared on social media. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride, and unity.”
The statement continued, “Over the weekend and today, our club had to shut down comments and delete posts—posts that should have celebrated 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.”
Chelsea Pride also emphasized that the fight against homophobia is ongoing, with the message, “’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. We refuse to stand by in silence.”
The statement concluded with a resolute stand against homophobia in football: “At Chelsea Pride, we stand against every act of homophobia with unwavering strength and passion. We strive to create a football world where every player, fan, and family can live openly and celebrate freely, without fear or prejudice. This is our game, our club, and our unwavering commitment: Hate will never win here. We will always stand for love, unity, and an inclusive future for football.”
Chelsea’s stance highlights the ongoing need for greater acceptance and support in football, reinforcing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all players and fans, regardless of their background or identity.
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