Sam Kerr is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to women’s football around the globe. Captain of the Australian national side and a key player in the WSL for Chelsea, with 95 goals for Chelsea and 66 for Australia, Kerr has had a stellar career.
Her partner is Kristie Mewis, a midfielder for West Ham United and a former US Women’s National Team player with over 50 caps for the national side. With her career spanning across multiple sides in the US, it’s only this season she’s made her move over to the UK.
The pair began their relationship during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, officially announcing it in 2021. Over the years, their bond deepened, culminating in their engagement in 2023. Mewis confirmed their engagement with heartfelt words about Kerr being her biggest supporter and source of strength.
On November 13, Kerr and Mewis shared joyful news: they are expecting their first child in 2025. The announcement came via Instagram, featuring black-and-white photos of the couple holding an ultrasound scan and highlighting Mewis’s baby bump.
The caption read: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!” Fans, teammates, and clubs flooded the post with congratulatory messages, celebrating what should have been a universally joyful moment.
I say “should have” because the announcement attracted unnecessarily bitter, homophobic comments from certain corners of social media.
Amongst many of these messages, one came from popular football twitter account UTD Trey, who is know for posting polarizing opinions about the sport.
His tweet read, “Gay people getting the opportunity to raise kids doesn’t sit right with me, you literally chose a sexuality that makes it impossible.” Trey’s homophobic comment gained traction, sparking outrage among fans and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Since then Trey has deleted his tweet, which makes sense considering there was significant backlash.
While Kerr and Mewis turned off comments on their posts to avoid further abuse, the damage had been done. Trey’s words potentially emboldened others, leading to a wave of hateful comments that overshadowed the couple’s happy news.
In response to the homophobic abuse, many clubs and support groups came out to voice their opinion and support for Kerr and Mewis.
Chelsea Pride, an LGBTQ+ supporters group affiliated with Chelsea FC, was quick to condemn the abuse. In a statement they wrote, “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride, and unity. ‘No to Hate’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a battle cry”.
Chelsea FC released a statement denouncing the hateful comments, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity. West Ham United also shared their support, calling the news “heartwarming” and extending their congratulations to the couple.
England women’s team manager Sarina Wiegman also spoke on the matter. “It is very, very disappointing,” England boss Wiegman told a news conference on Tuesday. “I’m really happy for them, they look really happy and I hope it all goes well.”
While the online hate has been condemned, it highlights the persistent challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face, even in progressive spaces like women’s football.
The incident has turned a celebration of love and family into a stark reminder of the work still needed to combat discrimination. In the end, what should have been a beacon of joy was tainted by narrow-mindedness.
