Matildas captain Sam Kerr has been subjected to homophobic abuse after announcing she is having a baby with her fiancée Kristie Mewis.
The footballing 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 fellow footballer Mewis' baby bump.
Monday's post was met with joy by Kerr's teammates such as Mary Fowler and Mackenzie Arnold, who were among many to post their congratulations.
But some social media users took the opportunity to direct homophobic abuse at the couple, leading Kerr to turn comments off on the post.
Chelsea Pride, an LGBTIQ+ supporter group affiliated with the men's English Premier League and Women's Super League (WSL) club for whom Kerr plays, condemned the abuse.
"Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society," it said in 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."
Kerr 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 in September 2023.
Sam Kerr (left) and Kristie Mewis (right) are set to become mums next year. Source: Getty / John Walton - PA Images
No timeline for Kerr's return to football
The injury ruled her out of the Paris Olympics, and on the way to bombing out in the group stage.
No timeline has been set for Kerr's return, with the 31-year-old recently expressing her conservative approach to her rehabilitation.
"I mean, it's my second ACL, so I know you need to take the time, you need to make sure it's right and I'm doing everything I can," Kerr told Optus Sport in September.
"But there's definitely no rush for me, I want to make sure I can play for many more years to come."
