Alessia Russo, an England international, says she prefers to avoid social media because of how “damaging” it can be when playing in major tournaments.
As her Lionesses team prepare for their European Championship defense in Switzerland next month, the 26-year-old was discussing the situation with her Lionesses teammates.
Katie Boulter, the British women’s tennis player, spoke to BBC Sport about the abuse and death threats she had received online.
Chelsea’s Lauren James said “the abuse never really stops,” while Manchester United’s Grace Clinton 22, says she will try to stay away from social media to avoid a “toxic environment.”
Russo, a 26-year-old Arsenal forward, said, “I think every player might have a different story about that side of the game, but it can definitely be really damaging.”
“I’ve faced it before, and I believe most players here have.” I was probably sucked into it more when I was younger.
I listened to it more than I should have, and I read it more than I should have. My family, my coaches, and my team-mates are the only ones who have any influence.
“In my first Euros, I would look at and scroll and sometimes get sucked into a trap.
I completely abandoned everything and had people control my Instagram before the World Cup. I kept my attention on the competition.
“It’s personal preference and whatever suits the team,” the coach said. What works for me is to stay focused as a team and not give up on it.
James spoke about the abuse she received while speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, saying that sometimes, even when someone loses at an EA Sports FC video game, my card is being used against them and that I get treated unfairly.
I’m going to just brush it off my shoulder because I’m used to it, even though it might be your first time.
Chelsea midfielder Kiera Walsh admitted to 5 Live that she no longer uses social media, while teammate Lucy Bronze said: “People write horrible things, and obviously our families read it as well, and it can be upsetting if you see something that’s not very nice.
“Social media is amazing in some ways and absolutely awful in others. Most of us, in my opinion, have been off at some point.
Ella Toone, a midfielder for Manchester United, stated that while she won’t use Instagram while playing the game, she will respect any team-mates who decide to avoid using social media while in Switzerland.
“I am aware that some people turn off their phones. We have that conversation, she said, and we are all aware of how each other wants to play the tournament.
“I won’t tell anyone or tell the team because they don’t want to see something I see on Instagram,” I said. It’s a personal preference, in my opinion.
Both her and Russo want to assist younger players in the squad in dealing with online abuse because both of them have done so as players.
According to Toone, “I believe from the experiences I and Alessia have had in the past, we have always been the people who want to make sure the younger or less experienced players join the squad feel safe and relaxed,” he continued.
related subjects
- Women’s Football Team England
- Women’s EURO 2016: UEFA
- Football
- Women’s Football
