Lancashire man avoids jail for racist messages about footballer Jess Carter
He's received a suspended jail sentence
Last updated 25th Mar 2026
A 60-year-old man who posted racist messages about England footballer Jess Carter online has received a suspended jail sentence.
Nigel Dewale, of Great Harwood, Lancashire, sent two posts during the Uefa women’s Euro 2025 tournament last summer from his TikTok account under the username Bogeyman.
Dewale was “in drink” at home when he responded to a news article about police investigating online racial abuse earlier received by Carter following England’s ties against France and Sweden at the championships.
He wrote: “Women’s football is diabolical. Should not be on national TV.
“Brownies are racist murders (sic), fiddlers and groomers. End ov (sic).”
He went on: “Racist card again. Always brownies faking.
“This women’s football should not be on TV. Waste of airtime.”
The messages were later traced to Dewale who was arrested and charged.
On Wednesday, he was sentenced at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court to six weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months.
He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to sending a grossly offensive message via a public communications network.
Carter, 28, who plays for US team Gotham FC, was part of the Lionesses squad that went on to successfully defend their title at the tournament in Switzerland.
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.”