Soccer-Chelsea, England forward Kirby speaks out on toxic social media abuse

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Nations League - Group A - England v Netherlands - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - December 1, 2023 England's Fran Kirby during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Chelsea and England forward Fran Kirby has spoken out about body image and social media abuse, saying while the toxic fan criticism is linked to the growing profile of women's soccer, the negative comments are "tough" to read.

"It's really important to emphasise that, of course we're professional athletes and we have to be fit to do our sport, but a body shape doesn't determine if you're fit enough," Euro 2022 winner Kirby told the BBC.