Matildas star Ellie Carpenter opens up on ‘vile’ social media abuse

Matildas star Ellie Carpenter has opened up on the backlash she received following Australia’s World Cup loss at the hands of England.

2 min read

October 25, 2023 - 10:40AM

Ellie Carpenter opens up on online abuse. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Matildas star Ellie Carpenter has opened up for the first time on the ugly abuse she has copped on social media.

Carpenter became public enemy number one after Australia’s World Cup run came to an end at the hands of England.

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Social media trolls turned on Carpenter, 23, after the Aussie star had a moment to forget, which handed England what proved to be their game-winning goal.

Off a great lofted through ball, Carpenter was jostling with Lauren Hemp to get the ball.

Needing to clear it, Carpenter appeared to have two air swings at the ball before overrunning the bouncing ball, allowing the England striker to reinstate the Lionesses lead minutes after Sam Kerr’s stunning strike.

Ahead of Australia’s Olympic Games qualifier against Iran in Perth, Carpenter opened up on the horrific ordeal.

“You see it everywhere, in different leagues and different sports codes as well,” she said.

“Obviously it’s a problem. And I know a lot of people are trying to make apps and platforms to try and stop abuse and things like that, so that’s good that people are aware of it and are trying to change it.”

Carpenter opens up on vile abuse. Pics Adam Head

The trolls took aim at the Aussie defender. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Carpenter said online abuse is now part and parcel of being a professional athlete in this day and age and that she has learnt to block it out.

“To be honest, I don’t really read or look into that,” she added. “For me, it doesn’t really affect me at all. I do a job for my team and myself. It (social media abuse) is everywhere these days. And that just shows that the bigger you are or the bigger you get, the more criticism you get.

“I had a great support system around me during that time and just during the whole World Cup really. But it’s just what it is. Like I said the bigger you are the more you get.”

The online abuse however came under fire from Socceroos legend Craig Foster who labelled the vitriol directed towards Carpenter as “disgusting” as he slammed fans for their “vile” actions.

Sadly, I understand the amazing Ellie Carpenter continues to receive disgusting abuse and threats online following the #FIFAWWC Semi Final.

Keep up the phenomenal work, Ellie, you're a hero to us all..

Go @matildas ðŸ’šðŸ’›#FIFAWWC #Matildas pic.twitter.com/YG8UDjyjau
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) August 18, 2023