Sam Kerr's club forced into sad move after 'disgusting' response to baby news with Kristie Mewis

The Chelsea Pride supporter group has condemned the vile homophobic abuse directed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis and have been forced to turn off comments on social media posts about their baby news. Kerr and Mewis revealed on Monday night they're expecting their first child together, with Mewis showing off her baby bump.

In a post on Instagram, the happy couple shared a series of photos showing an ultrasound image and one of them kissing. The football world sent an outpouring of congratulations, with Matildas teammates Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord and Mackenzie Arnold among the many to share their excitement.

But some of the comments from the general public contained homophobic abuse that two women are having a baby together. It led the Chelsea Pride, an LGBTQ+ supporter group affiliated with the Chelsea men's and women's teams (who Kerr plays for in England), to turn off comments on their posts.

Chelsea pride lash out over disgusting response

The Chelsea Pride released a statement strongly condemning the abuse. "Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society," they said. "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.

“At Chelsea Pride, we stand against every act of homophobia with unwavering strength and passion. We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice. This is our game, our club and our unwavering commitment: Hate will never win here. We will always stand for love, unity and an inclusive future for football.”

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Football world condemns abuse of Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis

Women’s football commentator Paul Wheeler wrote sarcastically: “'Homophobia isn’t a thing in women’s football' - Also women’s football...Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis announce they’re having a baby and comments are full of 'fans' spouting the worst kind of homophobic crap on Rainbow Laces weekend”.

Fellow football reporter Emma Sanders wrote: "The comments on this are disgusting. I’ve had to turn them off. It’s a beautiful thing for two people to share a pregnancy journey and become mothers. I wish them all the best. People with another view on that are not people I will be interacting with."

While BBC sport commentator Tom Overend added: “Extremely disappointing to see even the slightest negative reaction to Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis’s fantastic news. Couple are free to do what they choose, and you can be a good parent whatever your gender, creed, colour or anything. We are in 2024 folks.”

Mewis, a United States international, previously spoke of her pride that the whole world knows she's in a relationship with Kerr. “I think just being out and being two girls in love, I think if we can change one or two people’s lives and the way that they feel about each other and how comfortable they feel, then that means a lot to me,” she said.