A teenager has denied sending a racist message to England defender Jess Carter on Instagram.

Aaryan Aggarwal, 19, allegedly used a racial slur after calling the footballer “stupid” and “ugly” on 17 July 2025.

Carter was playing in England’s quarter-final at the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament when the message was sent, Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard.

Aggarwal, of Dickens Rise in Chigwell, Essex, pleaded not guilty to sending a public communication that was offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing and will stand trial in March.

The defendant was arrested in September in connection with the police investigation.

“This was an incident on the 17 July 2025. The England footballer Jess Carter was currently playing in the Euro 2025 tournament,” said prosecutor Grace Court.

“Following a game against Sweden, she received a message.”

Court said the message read “well done, stupid ugly” – before using a racial slur.

Deputy district judge Christopher Maynard said Aggarwal’s trial would take place at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on 3 March.

He released Aggarwal on bail, on the condition he did not contact Carter or post about her online.

“If you breach that condition or fail to turn up to court when you’re required to do so, it’s likely you’ll be arrested and brought into custody,” Maynard warned him.

Carter, from Warwick, spent six years at Chelsea FC Women before moving to US-based side Gotham FC in 2024.

The 28-year-old was part of the England squad who won their first major women’s tournament at Euro 2022.

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