England goalkeeper Mary Earps was called out by a fan for not signing an autograph after Manchester United's 5-0 victory win against Everton and accused her of being "too busy and important" to meet supporters.
The star goalkeeper took a screenshot of the comment and wrote on her Instagram story: "I try to ignore comments like these – but after a great win & spending so much time post-game meeting so many of you lovely lot afterwards, it’s hurtful to get home and get tagged in comments like these. Be kind. Happy Sunday. Love Mary x”
Mary Earps has hit out at ‘hurtful’ criticism after a fan accused her of being ‘too important’ to meet their daughter after Manchester United’s win over Everton. https://t.co/YhoMPjpsUM
— Metro (@MetroUK) October 23, 2023
This is not the first time that female soccer stars are called out for for not meeting the expectations of fans. Traditionally, the Lionesses stay after matches to engage with supporters, but the sheer number of well-wishers often makes it impossible to accommodate everyone.
“We love to interact with the fans, but it’s at times becoming really difficult to keep everybody happy and to interact with as many people as possible,” Earps told Sky Sports.
“We’re obviously so grateful that thousands and thousands of people want to meet us and come and talk to us, but the reality of it is, if that’s the expectation, we’re always going to fall short."
"I think the emphasis on it needs to switch now. We love that we can be so connected, but equally we are subject to a lot of comments and unnecessary [criticism]. At times it's just an addition to the game that we don't need."
"We are always going to fall short"
Mary Earps says that despite being 'grateful' for fan support, the expectations of accessibility to players is, as she describes it 'becoming really difficult'. pic.twitter.com/KeOOS7iIhu— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) October 26, 2023
England defender Esme Morgan supported Earps, emphasizing that players should not feel guilty for being unable to fulfill every fan request. England's recent successes, including being European champions and World Cup runners-up, have led to a surge in fan enthusiasm and higher expectations for player interaction.
Last month, after a win over Scotland, some fans chanted for players to "get off the bus" and meet them.
To foster a connection with aspiring young players, Earps and other senior England goalkeepers recently met 103 youngsters at St George's Park and presented them with shirts.
"It's incredibly rewarding. This is really the great purpose in why I do what I do," Earps told the BBC.
"Obviously I love playing football, I love representing my country and playing football at the highest level, but to be able to give back to people, see young kids coming through and to be able to change the way things are done and give kids opportunities that I never had..."
