Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes says female footballers have ‘come to expect’ abuse after trolls targeted Sam Kerr and partner Kristie Mewis with hateful homophobic comments last week.
The Chelsea star and the USA international announced last week that they were expecting their first child, revealing the exciting news by posting a series of heartwarming photographs on Instagram.
In the pictures, Kerr, 31, and Mewis, 33, who have been engaged since last year, smiled and shared a kiss as they posed for pictures with one of Mewis’ scan photos.
The pair captioned the Instagram post: ‘Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!’
While many took to the social media platform to congratulate the WSL stars, some users directed abuse at the couple.
The barrage of hateful comments prompted the football stars to later turn off the comments on their Instagram post.
Sam Kerr and fiancee Kristie Mewis took to social media to announce they were expecting a baby with a series of heartwarming photos (pictured)
Kerr’s former coach Emma Hayes says female players have come to expect abuse
Hayes, who is now Head Coach of the United States women’s national team, wasn’t shocked by the abuse.
‘I think Sam’s going to be an amazing mum. When Harry [Hayes’ son] used to come to the training ground, he always gravitated towards Sam with her natural warmth,’ Hayes began.
‘It’s not shocking to hear the abuse they suffered, but I know she’s tough enough to move past that and she’s not someone who expects an easy ride with anything.
‘I just think, for those of us in the women’s game, we’ve just come to expect that.
‘It doesn’t make it right, and it is unacceptable, but one where I know Sam will manage that and put all her energy into making sure her and Kristie hopefully go through the pregnancy with no bother and bring their baby into the world.’
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last week, a spokesperson for Chelsea FC said: ‘Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.
‘There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters.
The spokesperson added: ‘We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.’
Mewis showed off her baby bump for the first time in a post to social media on Monday
Kerr and Mewis have been an item since 2021 and got engaged last year following weeks of speculation
A spokesperson for West Ham told Daily Mail Australia: ‘West Ham United continues to be unequivocal in its stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to homophobia and discrimination of any form.
‘We urge social media platforms to take greater accountability in tackling ongoing and sustained discriminatory abuse online.
‘We would like to focus on celebrating this special moment with Kristie and her partner Sam, and to share our heartfelt wishes to the both of them on their pregnancy news.’
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman was also pressed on the matter during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, with the England boss also expressing her ‘disappointment’ at the abuse.
‘Unfortunately, that’s part of our world I guess,’ Wiegman said to reporters.
‘[It] should be. Very, very disappointing.
‘I’m very happy for them,’ she said speaking on Kerr and Mewis.
‘So congratulations to them. They are really happy, they look really happy and I hope everything goes well.’
Kerr has been sidelined for the entirety of 2024 after she had suffered an ACL injury
The pair had met in 2019 after they were both playing in the US Women’s Soccer National League and had spoken online for several months before their relationship became public
Some social media users had expressed their confusion over the post, writing ‘How?’ while other users had written comments such as ‘nonsense’.
One wrote: ‘I don’t really know what to comment for love and respect I have for you but come on, you ladies should just stop deceiving yourselves.’
It comes as a Chelsea LGBTQ+ supporters group has also lashed out at some of the abuse the pair received.
In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), Chelsea Pride wrote: ‘Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society,’ the statement read.
‘It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride, and unity.
‘Over the weekend and today, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts, posts that should have been 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.
‘”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.
‘At Chelsea Pride, we stand against every act of homophobia with unwavering strength and passion. We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, 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.’
Despite many unsavoury comments on social media, the WSL stars have received a plethora of well wishes from sports stars and fans, with Aussie superstar Mary Fowler and Lionesses stars Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly all issuing their congratulations.
