Racist message to England footballer Jess Carter denied by teen

A teenager has denied sending a racist message to England defender Jess Carter on Instagram.

Aaryan Aggarwal, 19, allegedly used a racial slur after calling the footballer "stupid" and "ugly" on 17 July 2025.

Carter was playing in England's quarter-final at the Women's Euro 2025 tournament when the message was sent, Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard.

Aggarwal, of Dickens Rise in Chigwell, Essex, pleaded not guilty to sending a public communication that was offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing and will stand trial in March.

The defendant was arrested in September in connection with the police investigation.

"This was an incident on the 17 July 2025. The England footballer Jess Carter was currently playing in the Euro 2025 tournament," said prosecutor Grace Court.

"Following a game against Sweden, she received a message."

Court said the message read "well done, stupid ugly" - before using a racial slur.