Man handed suspended sentence for racist online abuse of England footballer Jess Carter
A 60-year-old man has been given a suspended prison sentence after posting racist messages online targeting England footballer Jess Carter.
Nigel Dewale, from Great Harwood, Lancashire, used his TikTok account under the username Bogeyman to post two offensive posts at last summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament.
Dewale was reportedly “drinking” at home while responding to a report detailing police investigations into racist abuse directed at Carter following England’s matches against France and Sweden.
Their posts included: “Women’s football is evil. Shouldn’t be on national television. Brownies are racist murders (sic), fiddlers and grooms. It’s over (sic).”
He continued: “Another racist card. Always pretending to be a chocolate cake. This women’s football should not be shown on TV. A waste of broadcast time.”
The messages were later traced to Dewale, leading to his arrest and charge.
He was given a six-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He had previously pleaded guilty to sending a grossly offensive message over a public communications network.
28-year-old Carter, who plays for the US team Gotham FC, was an important member of the Lionesses team that successfully defended its title in the tournament held in Switzerland.
After being subjected to racist abuse during the tournament, he announced that he would give up managing his social media accounts to protect his mental health.
Carter started the final with England and Spain drawing 1-1, with Alessia Russo canceling out Mariona Caldentey’s opening goal.
The match went to penalties and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton proved to be the hero as the Lionesses secured a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win.
The win meant Sarina Wiegman’s side retained the title they won three years ago following a 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley, with Chloe Kelly scoring the winner after extra time.
