Teen denies Instagram slur after Jess Carter's Euro quarter‑final

Teenager Aaryan Aggrewal, 19, has denied sending a racist message to England defender Jess Carter on Instagram while she was playing in England’s Women’s Euro 2025 quarter‑final, a claim heard at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court. The court hearing examined the alleged post, which the teenager says he did not author.

Court hearing details

Prosecutor Grace Court stated the incident occurred on 17 July 2025, after England’s game against Sweden. Aggrewal, of Dickens Rise in Chigwell, Essex, allegedly called Carter “stupid” and “ugly” before using a racial slur, with the message reading “well done, stupid ugly”.

Aggrewal pleaded not guilty to sending a public communication that was offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing. He was arrested in September and will stand trial in March, with the trial set for 3 March at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court. Deputy district judge Christopher Maynard released him on bail, imposing a condition that he must not contact Carter or post about her online, warning that breach could lead to re‑arrest.

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Carter's club history

The 28‑year‑old defender hails from Warwick and spent six years with Chelsea FC Women before moving to US‑based Gotham FC in 2024. Carter was representing England at the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament when the Instagram message was sent, having previously helped the national side win their first major women’s tournament at Euro 2022.

Carter featured in England’s quarter‑final match against Sweden, the game after which the alleged Instagram message was received. The incident unfolded during the tournament, highlighting the heightened scrutiny on players’ online interactions while competing at a major international competition.

Aggrewal’s trial is scheduled for 3 March at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court. Should he breach the bail conditions or fail to appear, judge Maynard warned he will be re‑arrested and taken into custody.