Man in court accused of racist posts about Lioness

A teenager has appeared in court charged with making racist Instagram posts about England defender Jess Carter.

Aaryan Agarwal allegedly sent the footballer messages on two occasions in July last year.

The 19-year-old of Dickens Rise, Chigwell, is charged with a single count of sending a letter, communication, or article conveying an indecent or offensive message.

He appeared Colchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday but did not enter a plea. He is due to attend Chelmsford Crown Court on August 18.

Magistrates were told the first message was sent after England lost 2-1 against France on July 5 and allegedly referred to Carter using racist language.

A second abusive message was allegedly sent on July 17 2025, when England won against Sweden in the quarter-final.

Aggarwal was arrested in September after the messages were reported.

Carter, who is from Warwick, was part of the England squad who created history by winning their first major women's tournament at Euro 2022.

The 28-year-old spent six years at Chelsea before moving to US-based side Gotham FC in 2024.

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Related internet links

• HM Courts & Tribunals Service