Chelsea condemn homophobic comments over Sam Kerr and partner Kristie Mewis’ pregnancy news

Homophobic comments levelled at Matildas legend Sam Kerr over her baby announcement have been condemned by the superstar’s Premier League club.

Chelsea condemned homophobic abuse directed towards star striker Sam Kerr on Tuesday after sheand her fiancee, USA international Kristie Mewis, announced they were expecting a baby.

The 31-year-old Australia captain made the announcement on social media alongside pictures of the couple.

In response, they faced what Chelsea described as “unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments”.

“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 Women’s Super League club said in a statement.

“We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communitiesand identities.”

Sam Kerr’s Premier League club, Chelsea, have condemned the homophobic attacks. Picture: Getty

Chelsea women’s coach Sonia Bompastor called the abuse “crazy” but said she is focusing on supporting Kerr.

“This is just unacceptable to have these kinds of comments, especially in 2024,” said Bompastor at a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Celtic.

“It’s just crazy for me to understand how people can react like this,” Bompastor said.

“I just want to focus on the positives and give all my support to Sam and Kristie. We are really proud and really happy for them.

“As a mum I cannot think about anything else. As a woman, to have the opportunity to become a mum, that’s the best news youcan have in your life.”

Kerr has also been inundated with positive responses to her baby news. Picture: Getty

Chelsea Pride, an LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, said it had been “heartbreaking and infuriating” to see so many hateful comments online.

England women’s coach Sarina Wiegman wished Kerr and West Ham midfielder Mewis, who got engaged last year, well in the face of the backlash.

“Unfortunately that is part of our world I guess, which it should not be,” said Wiegman.

“Very, very disappointing. I’m really happy for them so congratulations. I hope they are really happy, they look really happyand I hope everything goes well.”

‘SHOCKED, SADDENED’: KERR JOY SOURED BY HOMOPHOBIC TROLLS

- By Erin Smith

Matildas captain Sam Kerr’s pregnancy news has been overshadowed by a slew of homophobic comments with her club forced delete posts and turn off comments on club social media accounts.

Kerr, 31, and her partner Kristie Mewis celebrated their engagement in September last year.

They announced via social media on Monday that they are expecting their first child together.

While fellow teammates and fans were quick to share their joy others flooded the various channels with hate filled comments.

The official Chelsea FC Women’s Instagram page, which has over 4 million followers, posted the news on their account with the comments now closed.

Kerr herself has also turned the comments off on her original Instagram post announcing the news.

Monash IVF’s Medical Director Luk Rombauts said he was “shocked” and “saddened” by the hateful comments thrown at the couple.

“We’re all in a bit of shock and of course very saddened for Sam and her partner to have received such ill informed and hateful abuse which is really not appropriate in this day and age,” Professor Rombauts said.

Monash IVF have a partnership with the Australian Athlete’s Alliance and help many athletes achieve their dream of being a parent.

“We are very proud to support all our athletes, irrespective of what sexual preference they have,” the professor said.

“We have quite a few same sex couples among our patients and we are very keen to help them become mothers.

“In addition to athletes having unique challenges of becoming pregnant and having to deal with fertility issues during their careers, those challenges are even bigger for same sex couples.”

Professor Rombauts said becoming a parent was one of the biggest gifts there is.

“Infertility is not just a disease that affects heterosexual couples, but it is really something that can affect any patient, irrespective of their medical, sexual and reproductive history,” he said.

“I find that there are trolls like that in Australia have nothing better to do in their lives than to send hateful messages is deeply disappointing – I thought we were better than that.”

Chelsea Pride statement.#NoToHate 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ pic.twitter.com/j46SIhFtlq

— Chelsea Pride 🏳️‍🌈⚽️🏳️‍⚧️ (@ChelseaPride_) November 18, 2024

Chelsea Pride, an LGBTQ+ group associated with Kerr’s club Chelsea issued a statement sharing their disgust.

“Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society,” Chelsea Pride said in a statement.

“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.”

Originally published as Chelsea condemn homophobic comments over Sam Kerr and partner Kristie Mewis’ pregnancy news