Teenager denies sending racist message to England defender Jess Carter

A teenager has denied sending a racist message to England defender Jess Carter during the 2025 UEFA Women's European Championship.

Aaryan Aggarwal, 19, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with sending a message over a public network that was offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing.

The court heard that 28-year-old Carter received the message on 17 July last year, which was the day England beat Sweden in their Euro quarter-final.

Aggarwal is accused of telling the footballer "well done, stupid ugly" - before using a racial slur.

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The defendant, of Chigwell in Essex, pleaded not guilty to the offence during Wednesday's hearing.

A trial date was fixed for 3 March next year at Cambridge Magistrates' Court.

Carter, from Warwick, is a defender for Gotham FC.

She was part of the England team when the Lionesses became the Euro 2022 champions.

She was also a key performer as England sought to defend their title at Euro 2025.

(c) Sky News 2026: Teenager denies sending racist message to England defender Jess Carter