Teenager pleads not guilty over alleged racist message to Jess Carter

A teenager has pleaded not guilty to a charge relating to an allegedly racist Instagram message sent to England defender Jess Carter during Women's Euro 2025. BBC News reported from Chelmsford Magistrates' Court that Aaryan Aggarwal, 19, denied sending a public communication that was offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing.

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The allegation concerns a message dated 17 July 2025, when England faced Sweden in the tournament's quarter-finals. Prosecutor Grace Court told the hearing that Carter received a message containing insults about her appearance followed by a racial slur. Aggarwal, from Chigwell in Essex, denies the charge and the case will proceed to trial.

Deputy district judge Christopher Maynard released Aggarwal on bail with conditions preventing him from contacting Carter or posting about her online, according to the BBC. His trial will be held at Cambridge Magistrates' Court. The judge warned that breaching bail conditions or failing to attend court could lead to his arrest.

The Football Association had publicly condemned racist abuse directed at Carter during the tournament. In a statement issued on 20 July 2025, chief executive Mark Bullingham said supporting the player was the organisation's priority. He said the FA contacted UK police immediately after becoming aware of the abuse and that officers were in contact with the relevant social media platform.

Bullingham also said the governing body already had procedures to respond quickly because England players had faced similar abuse before. Those measures included providing information where possible to assist potential police action. The FA said it would continue discussions with authorities and social media companies about further steps to prevent racist abuse.

Carter, now 28, plays for Gotham FC. England Football's official profile records that she was part of the squad that won Euro 2022 and started five matches as England reached the 2023 World Cup final.

She subsequently started five of England's six matches during their successful Euro 2025 title defence, including the final against Spain, according to the same profile. The current court proceedings concern the specific message alleged by prosecutors; Aggarwal's responsibility remains disputed and has not been established at trial.