Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has offered her full support to Sam Kerr after the striker was subjected to homophobic abuse online after announcing she was expecting a baby with her partner, West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.
The 31-year-old Australia captain, who has missed most of this year with an ACL injury, revealed the news in a post on Instagram on Monday, saying: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming in 2025!”
It included a photo of the couple kissing and showing Mewis' baby bump.
Although many were quick to congratulate them, they were met with what Chelsea described as “unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments”.
Responses to Kerr's original post were also limited after it was initially published.
Bompastor said on Tuesday: “I just want to support Sam, support her completely. These comments are unacceptable, especially in our world in 2024.
“It's crazy to understand how people can react like this. We are so happy for Sam. I can't wait to welcome this little baby to our Chelsea family.”
Captain Mille Bright added: “No matter if you are a footballer, no matter what your job is, there should be no room in this world for such comments. It will not be tolerated.
“I would like to see more done about it; if I wasn't a footballer I would get off social media straight away.
“We are focusing on the positives and will emphasize what a beautiful moment it is for two people very close to me to bring a little one into the world.”
In a statement, a Chelsea spokesperson said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published on various social media platforms.
“There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed at our players, staff or supporters.
“We take great pride in being a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”
Chelsea Pride condemns the abuse directed at Kerr following the baby announcement
The club's LGBTQ+ and friends group Chelsea Pride also called the comments “hateful” and denounced comments on social media aimed at Kerr and Mewis, who got engaged last year.
“Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea or in our society,” said a statement on X.
“It is heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride and unity.
“This weekend and today, our club was forced to close comments and even delete posts – posts that should have been moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will be welcoming a new child to the world. 2025.
“'No to hate' isn't just a slogan, it's a rallying cry. It reminds us that we must continue to fight for what is right, for true acceptance, and for a game that embraces everyone without exception.
“We refuse to stand by in silence. At Chelsea Pride we oppose every act of homophobia with unwavering strength and passion.
“We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live and be celebrated openly, without fear or prejudice.
“This is our game, our club and our unwavering commitment. Hatred will never win here. We will always stand for love, unity and an inclusive future for football.”
Comments