Chelsea manager Emma Hayes believes Lauren James has been the subject of “racial profiling” and labelled the abuse the forward has received as “disgusting”.
James, 22, was subjected to online abuse after Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat by Arsenal in the Women’s Super League on Sunday after the England international had appeared to stamp on opponent Lia Walti.
The incident came when Chelsea were trailing 3-1 in the match, with James subsequently substituted by Hayes. The abuse directed at James after the match prompted Chelsea to release a statement on Tuesday in which they pledged to “take action” against perpetrators that could be identified.
“I think it’s disgusting, the amount of abuse she has received from the public, the media and the press,” Hayes said on Wednesday ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League group-stage game against Hacken.
“This is a young player who is always working to learn in the background, but some of the language I have seen used to vilify her externally is unacceptable.
“I don’t see the same level of abuse attributed to other players in the league who might have had their own challenging moments.
“If I were in her position, I would think there is racial profiling going on.
“I think it is important for the country to recognise she is an…
