Matlidas captain Sam Kerr has been subjected to homophobic abuse after announcing she is having a baby with her fiancee Kristie Mewis.
The 31-year-old superstar revealed the news on her Instagram account with a post which read: "Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!"
Her announcement came with a picture of the couple kissing and showing off Mewis' baby bump.
However, while Monday's post was met with joy by fellow Matildas such as Mary Fowler and Mackenzie Arnold, who were among many to post their congratulations, there was also abuse leading the pair to turn off comments on their social media.
The abuse has been condemned by Chelsea Pride, an LGBTQ+ supporter group affiliated with the men's English Premier League and Women's Super League club for whom Kerr plays.
"Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society," said a statement posted on X.
"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."
The Matildas captain has been sidelined since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in January, an injury that ruled her out of the Olympics.
She met United States midfielder Mewis, who plays for WSL rivals West Ham United, in 2020. They have been a couple since 2021 and became engaged two years later.
