Several members of England’s Lionesses have announced plans to limit or avoid social media use during upcoming tournaments due to relentless online abuse. Despite their success on the pitch, players continue to face sexist and hateful messages, prompting concerns over mental health and player well-being. The decision reflects growing frustration among female athletes who say not enough is being done to combat digital harassment.
The 26-year-old was speaking about the issue alongside her Lionesses teammates as they prepare for their European Championship defence in Switzerland next month.
Their comments come after British tennis player Katie Boulter spoke to BBC Sport about abuse and death threats she has received online,
Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton 22, says she will try and stay away from social media to avoid a “toxic environment” while Chelsea forward Lauren James said “the abuse never really stops.
I think every player might have a different story about that side of the game but it’s definitely one that can be really damaging,” said Arsenal forward Russo, 26.
“I have faced it in the past and I think most players here have. When I was younger I probably got sucked into it more.
“I read it more than I should have and listened to it more than I should have. The only opinions that matter are my team-mates, my coaches and my family.
“In my first Euros I was on social media and I would have a look, have a scroll, and I got caught in a trap sometimes.
Going into the World Cup, I completely came off everything and I had people to run my Instagram. I just focused on the tournament.
“It’s personal preference and whatever works for the team. Staying away from it and staying focused as a team is what works for me.”
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, James discussed abuse she received, saying: “Sometimes it’s not even to do with my performance, even when someone loses at Fifa [EA Sports FC video game], my card scores against them and they’re sending me abuse.
“I guess when it’s your first time though, maybe it might touch someone but I’m used to it, I’m going to just brush it off my shoulder.”
Chelsea midfielder Kiera Walsh told 5 Live she no longer uses social media, while club teammate Lucy Bronze added: “People write horrible things and obviously our families read it as well and it can be upsetting if you see something that’s not very nice.
“Social media is amazing in one way and absolutely awful in another way. I think most of us have been off at some point.”
Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone said that while she will still uses Instagram during the tournament, she will respect the decision of any team-mate who decides to keep off social media while in Switzerland.
“I know other people turn their phones off. We have that conversation and all know how each other wants to go through the tournament,” she said.
“If I see something on Instagram I’m not going to tell someone or blurt it out to the team because they don’t want to see it. I think it’s a personal preference.”
Having experienced online abuse as a young player, both her and Russo want to help younger players in the squad deal with it.
“I think from experiences me and Alessia have had in the past, we’ve always been the people that want to make sure the younger or less experienced players coming into the squad feel relaxed and feel OK,” Toone added.
“We have such a talented squad. We have bags of talent coming into their first tournament so we want to make sure they are at ease and feel confident within themselves.”
