Emma Hayes admits concern for Lauren James' mental health after social media abuse

Emma Hayes says Lauren James is «not in a great place» after facing a torrent of online abuse after a peevish challenge on Lia Walti during Chelsea's 4-1 loss to Arsenal over the weekend.

Chelsea faced their biggest loss in five years at the hands of their biggest rival. The Gunners secured an emphatic victory over the Blues to move level on points at the top of the WSL table.

But in a frustrated moment of petulance, James made a late stamp on Arsenal midfielder Walti as she collected the ball after the whsitle had gone for a foul. The challenge warranted a red card, but referee Rebecca Welch only presented a yellow.

Speaking after the fixture, Hayes admitted Chelsea were bullied by Arsenal and that the better team won yet claimed she did not see the incident. James was subbed off moments after it happened.

The incident sparked outrage online and a cascade of social media abuse directed at James ensued.

«I think it's disgusting the amount of abuse she has received from the public, from the media, from the press. We're talking about a young player here that no question is always working to learn in the background and bits and bobs, but some of the language I've seen used to vilify her externally, I think is unacceptable,» Hayes said of the backlash.

«I don't see the same level of abuse attributed to other players in the league, who might have had their own challenging moments. And I think it's fair to say that if I'm in her position, I'd be thinking that there is racial profiling going on.

»And I think it's important for the country to recognise she's an important talent and she is learning all the time and she makes mistakes. I think some of the derogatory and very misleading conversations that are happening during