Chelsea have condemned racial abuse directed towards Lauren James after the Women’s Super League match against Arsenal on Sunday. The England international was at the centre of controversy after appearing to stamp on Lia Wälti. James was shown a yellow card and substituted by Emma Hayes soon after. Chelsea, the WSL champions, were trailing 3-1 at the time and went on to lose 4-1. In a statement Chelsea said: “Chelsea Football Club condemns the online abuse directed towards Lauren James following Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Arsenal. “The club stands strongly against any form of abuse and discriminatory behaviour. Discrimination has no place at Chelsea Football Club or in any of our communities. We will take action against any individual that we can identify. We stand with you, Lauren.” Those sentiments have been echoed by the Football Association. A post on X from the England national team account read: “We stand alongside you LJ. Online abuse and discriminatory behaviour has no place in football. This abhorrent behaviour must have consequences.”