UKFPU Statement - Man sentenced following Jess Carter social media abuse

A man from Lancashire has been sentenced for sending hateful and malicious social media messages to a professional footballer.

Nigel Dewale appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 25 March, where he was sentenced to six weeks suspended for 12 months.

Dewale has also received a four-year football banning order, along with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, a three-month curfew between 8pm and 6am, £154 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

The 59-year-old of Prospect Street, Great Harwood, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of malicious communications and possession of a weapon in a private place.

The court heard how in July 2025 the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) launched an investigation after several hateful and malicious social media messages were sent to the England defender Jess Carter during the Women’s Euros.

Following enquiries detectives traced one of the messages which had been posted on TikTok to the home of Dewale in Great Harwood. The message both racist and highly misogynistic.

Dewale, was subsequently arrested by officers from Lancashire Police on Thursday 28 August 2025.

During questioning Dewale, made a full admission to the post and was later charged in relation to the message.

Following the hearing, Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the NPCC Lead for football policing, said:

“Everyone is responsible for what they do and say, and posting a message on social media is no different. In this case, 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.

“We have been clear that hate crime online or in person, is not acceptable and as we have shown in this case, you cannot hide behind a social media profile to post vile comments and spread hate.”

PC Dan Fish, Dedicated Football Officer at Lancashire Police said:

“No one should log onto social media and see the type of messages posted by Dewale, which were frankly appalling.

 “Lancashire Police do not tolerate hate in any form, and I hope that Dewale being brought to justice today sends a clear message to anyone who thinks his actions were ok. They were not. He made a conscious decision to send those messages and will now face the consequences of doing so.

 “We will continue to leave no stone unturned in identifying people responsible for hate crime.”  

An FA spokesperson said:

“We welcome the decision of the court to hold Nigel Dewale to account for the disgusting messages sent to Jess Carter.

"We are determined to assist the police and authorities in ensuring anyone responsible for such vile hate is made to face justice.

"We again thank the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) and the local Dedicated Football Officer for their continued support, and our priority remains providing the care and support our England players need to deal with this ongoing problem."