Sutton United Women player Gabby Howell criticises trolls after calling her an attention seeker for wearing makeup in matches.
The 23 year old midfielder often uploads photos on social media of her life on and off the pitch – with her feed showing her on holiday and having dinner out.
But it was her latest Instagram post that she decided to call out the haters, saying that she is first and foremost a footballer.
Howell, a Tottenham supporter, put up some selfies of her face looking bare with a lengthy caption on having to deal with trolls online.
View this post on Instagram
She wrote: “So I am trying to be more real with you guys… and let you see me for who I really am and not just through a picture.
“Yes I have had filler, that’s a given but I done that because I wanted to. And yes I get my eyelashes done, but so what…
“I had comments of people saying they could eat on my chin, or that I’m narcissist because I wore Nivea lip balm in a football game and they thought it was red lipstick🤣.
“FOR ANYONE that truly knows me would know I live and breathe football, I could tell you teams in SCEFL league let alone league 1 and 2… I could tell you the history of Tottenham not winning a poxy trophy… 🤣.
“However, I used to say it never got to me and I’m thick skinned, I am for sure.. but when you’re having a bad day (which is only human) and you go on social media, and see things as such you just start doubting yourself.
“I’ve changed so much about me at times because I had a bad day saw a comment and it got in my head but I’ve come to realise that no matter what I do or say someone is going to dislike it and that’s ok.
“I am not saying it’s all I get because it’s not, I don’t go out of my way to look either but it’s easy to see at times if you’re just scrolling through notifications…
“I do get a lot of lovely comments also which I am beyond grateful for.
“All I’m asking is think about what you say before you say it… It’s ok not to like what I do, wear, look or say but I am still a human being… Thank you 💜”.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
In 2022, as per the Mirror, she talks about being sick at putting up with men saying women “can’t compete” with men.
Some of the comments she gets on Instagram are sexist and derogatory who don’t take her seriously.
“Men will say they’re horny underneath my photos of me playing football – and if I tag my club in the post it’s embarrassing,” she said.
Gabby says one of the reasons she is targeted is because she plays football but also likes to dress up, wear make up and go out at the weekend.
“You can be both – you can play football and like wearing high heels,” she said.
Despite having to put up with sexist trolling, Gabby is determined to use her platform to inspire young girls to get into football.
She also wants young women playing football to stay in the game and not let the sexism get to them.
“I like to keep [the hateful comments] on my profiles and I don’t delete them,” she explained, adding she wants people to see having a lot of followers on Instagram isn’t all that.
“Young girls think they want to be an influencer but they don’t see the downsides. I like to make people aware.”
She admitted there was one time a troll “broke her,” but remains defiant and says she never let it happen since.
“Not everyone’s going to like you. I repeat that to myself when I see these comments,” she said.
“You’ve just got to develop a thick skin.”
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Here’s how Instagram users reacted at the Sutton Women player criticises trolls calling her an attention seeker for wearing makeup in matches…
wardjock21: Keep being true to yourself Gabs. Anyone who knows you will understand your love of the beautiful game and how hard you work to be the best you can be. Forever seeking opportunities to learn more can only be positive. You have inspired many youngsters, male and female, to get involved in the game. That just shows the qualities you possess both as a player and a person 👌
cleodarvell: Jealousy is a crazy thing. Your beautiful & talented. People will always have something to say when your doing well for yourself unfortunately. Xx
chappers_17: Just keep being you Gabby xx
natalie1971x: Beautiful inside and out Gabby ❤️
daz.green84: Ignore the comments gabby your absolutely stunning natural me personally would want you to wear makeup as your a 10/10 without it
getlashed_x: People will comment on everything whether you do good or bad so may as well do what makes you happy 💗✨
coutureaesthetics_: Your amazing and if only people knew you actually have hardly anything !!! it’s all you baby! Beautiful inside and out ❤️
adamsliwo: Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re totally stunning and ignore the haters with all their negativity…not worth your time x
getxtended: Beautiful inside & out ❤️
alexrbarber: 🙌🙌🙌 praise that Gabby.
teresasteingass: Keep being you Gabs. Your beautiful inside and out. 💙
x.aneeta_philip.x: Gorgeous girl all day every day 😍❤️❤️
wellsdarcy_: Keep being you Gabs. If only the knew the real you. We’re lucky to! 🤍 all I’m gonna say is Chuck and left, go right Wheyhey
richadam7692: You are inspiration to young girls and boys who want to play sport and should be proud of your achievements.
suttonpodcast: You deal so well with it that it is easy for people to just assume it doesn’t bother you. Sorry. From the day we first met at Wembley to our most recent chats you have been brilliant both podcast wise and with little person. Take care.
funnyoldgameuk: Love and positivity 💯❤️ always here if needed or for support. We got your back!
louislarder: I watched the crouch story on prime the other day and never really new how bad he got it in the media and the feels in the stadium. It’s rough being in the public eye I couldn’t do it. Hang in there hopefully they get bored soon 🙄. That’s also the only thing I’m worried about for my boy if he makes it in football, the abuse he could receive and how he would cope. I think you’re a good role model for girls and boys keep it up. 👏🔥
fdawes0611: BEAUTIFUL…without!!…with!!..playing football…Not playing football…being a spurs fan 😂 Filler…No Filler..lashes..no lashes! You are a Gem and fuck anyone who says otherwise them people would pay money to look like your left big toe! Stunner inside and out! ❤️😍
dj_rudy_gendron: Keep being you Gabby, for someone who doesn’t know you that well, have disagree with what they saying… You’re great at what you do and a great human being… Just maybe supporting Tottenham I won’t agree with that but oh well 😂… Jokes aside, continue what you’ve doing… Keep being Awesome 🫶🏻
ham44emirates: Obviously the negative comments are a self projection for people who have issues in their own lives, its not about you its about them. I will send you a signed Arsenal shirt to cheer you up.
mazzitelli90: You’re stunning 😍 carry on being you & carry on doing what makes you happy/comfortable. You shouldn’t have to explain yourself just because some lowlifes send abuse.
m03nn400: Never let them get you down. Your gorgeous as you are 🫶
mikemichaelmichaelson: Chin up dear. I think you’re lovely. People are just cruel for their own reasons and it’s a shame
m_squared62: Sweet Gabriella, don’t mind all the stupid criticasters. But focus on the people who love you for who you are. And you are a wonderful, sweet and very beautiful woman. Love your career and I wish you all the happiness you seek for ❤️❤️❤️
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