Nigel Dewale, a 60-year-old man from Great Harwood, Lancashire, has been handed a suspended prison sentence for sending racially abusive and misogynistic messages to England and Gotham FC defender Jess Carter during the Women's Euro 2025 tournament. The case, which has attracted widespread attention across the footballing world, underscores the growing issue of online hate targeting athletes and the evolving response from both the legal system and sporting authorities.
The abusive messages, posted under Dewale's username "Bogeyman" on TikTok between June 19 and June 23, 2025, included derogatory references to Carter's race and baseless claims linking race to crimes such as murder and grooming. Dewale, who was intoxicated at home when he responded to a news article about police investigating online abuse Carter had received after England's matches against France and Sweden, did not deny his actions when confronted by authorities. The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) traced the posts to Dewale, leading to his arrest in August 2025.
On March 25, 2026, Dewale appeared before Blackburn Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to sending a grossly offensive message via a public communications network and to possession of an offensive weapon—an extendable baton found in his home in February 2026. District Judge Tony Watkin sentenced Dewale to six weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, taking into account Dewale's role as the primary carer for his 20-year-old daughter, who suffers from epilepsy. Alongside the suspended sentence, Dewale received a four-year football banning order, a three-month curfew, a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and fines totaling £239. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge and court costs.
The impact of Dewale's actions on Jess Carter was significant and immediate. Carter, a 28-year-old central defender from Warwick who plays her club football for Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, was left feeling anxious and unwilling to leave her hotel during the tournament. According to prosecutor Graeme Tindall, the abuse "affected her confidence" and left her "anxious and genuinely scared." Carter ultimately decided to step away from social media, handing control of her accounts to her sister in the summer of 2025. In her own words, Carter stated during the Euros, "Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don’t agree or think it’s ok to target someone’s appearance or race. Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won’t have to deal with it."
During the sentencing, District Judge Watkin did not mince words regarding the seriousness of Dewale's actions. "You targeted her for no other reason than she was a prominent, female footballer. It caused substantial distress and fear to your victim. There is a view held by some that offences of this nature are somehow less serious because they are committed behind a screen. The very opposite is true. Those messages have real-world consequences. In this instance they caused someone who had risen to prominence through her talent and ability to have to change her behaviours. Your conviction and sentence should serve as a warning that people who send such messages are not anonymous. The police can and will find those responsible."
Bradley Hayes, defending Dewale, told the court, "If there was ever a decision he made that he wishes he could take back, then it is this decision. It has filled him with a sense of shame. He has let himself down, his family and his community. He has instructed me to make a wholehearted apology to Ms Carter, her family and the wider women's football community for his actions, which he accepts are disgraceful and which he regrets deeply." Hayes emphasized that Dewale's daughter would be "very much disadvantaged" by an immediate custodial sentence, a factor that swayed the judge toward a suspended sentence and rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
Reactions from the footballing world and beyond were swift and unequivocal. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham condemned the "disgusting racism" Carter faced and welcomed the court's decision, stating, "We are determined to assist the police and authorities in ensuring anyone responsible for such vile hate is made to face justice." A Football Association spokesperson echoed this sentiment, saying, "We welcome the decision of the court to hold Nigel Dewale to account for the disgusting messages sent to Jess Carter." Sport England chairman Chris Boardman added, "For too long, online misogyny and racism have gone unchecked by big tech. But consequences create change, and today's sentence sends a clear message: we value women's sport, the toxic abuse of female athletes will not be tolerated, and there will be consequences."
Cheshire's Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs' Council's football policing lead, also weighed in: "Dewale sent hateful and malicious messages, thinking that he would be able to hide behind his account name. His comments were totally abhorrent, they caused emotional distress for Miss Carter and her family, and I welcome the sentence handed to him today." John Moran, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, remarked, "This case should be a stark reminder to so-called keyboard warriors. Online actions have consequences. This type of social media offending will not be tolerated. Those who peddle hate, on or off the pitch, will be brought to justice."
The incident has sparked renewed calls for greater accountability and action from social media platforms in tackling online hate. The Football Association, along with other sporting bodies, pledged to support law enforcement in bringing offenders to justice and to continue advocating for a safer, more inclusive environment for athletes. England's women's team, which had taken the knee before each game at the Euros as an anti-racism gesture, even suspended the practice in solidarity with Carter after the abuse came to light.
Carter, who started five of England's six matches at Euro 2025 and played a pivotal role in the Lionesses' successful title defense, has become a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Her decision to speak out about her experiences has resonated with many athletes and fans, highlighting the urgent need for cultural change both online and in the stands.
As the football community continues to grapple with the challenges of online abuse, the sentencing of Nigel Dewale stands as a clear warning: anonymity does not shield offenders from justice, and the toxic abuse of athletes will not be tolerated. For Jess Carter and countless others, the hope is that this case marks a turning point toward a more respectful and supportive sporting environment.