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Kerr's alleged racist comment revealed, Chelsea throws support behind star

Anna McGuinness
Updated March 7 2024 - 8:52am, first published March 6 2024 - 11:00pm

Matildas captain Samantha Kerr allegedly called a London police officer a "stupid white bastard", UK newspaper The Sun reports.

The officer was responding to a complaint about a taxi fare on January 30, 2023, in Twickenham, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.

Matildas captain Samantha Kerr. Picture by Kim Price/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA
Matildas captain Samantha Kerr. Picture by Kim Price/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA

The dispute was said to have occurred when the Chelsea FC striker was sick in a cab after a night out, according to The Sun.

The club broke its silence on March 7 (Sydney time) with manager Emma Hayes telling reporters Kerr has Chelsea's "full support".

"Yes it's a difficult time for her, of course I can't comment on it you already know that," she said.

"What I can say is that I know she's pleaded not guilty and that I don't want to do anything to jeopardise anything for Sam by speaking about it.

Chelsea FC Women’s manager Emma Hayes says Sam Kerr has the club’s ‘full support’ after the football star was charged with a racially aggravated harassment.

"There's difficult moments, there's tough times and that's what my role is in this football club is to make sure I look after our people - I just want to make it clear that Sam will be fully supported by me and everyone else at Chelsea."

Kerr faced a London court on March 4 to plead not guilty to a charge of intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to the police officer.

The Daily Mail reported the Judge told the court it was understood Kerr's defence was she didn't intend to cause alarm, harassment or distress, and it was not racially motivated.

If convicted, the injured star could face a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment, a fine or both.

A four-day criminal trial has been scheduled for February 2025 where two police officers are expected to give evidence.

Football Australia kept in the dark

Football Australia was kept in the dark about a racial harassment charge against the Matildas captain, according to organisation boss James Johnson.

FA chief executive James Johnson said the organisation only found out in the media when news broke on March 5, Sydney time, that the star player would face trial after pleading not guilty to the charge.

According to Metropolitan Police, Kerr was charged on January 21 - a year after the alleged incident.

Matildas superstar Sam Kerr is set to face trial in London after pleading not guilty to a charge stemming from an alleged incident with a police officer in January last year, relating to a complaint involving a taxi fare.

Mr Johnson said he became aware of the news as he boarded a flight to Adelaide in the morning, where he was due to announce a Matildas friendly against China.

"We've got to establish the facts, we've got to get some answers before we have a view on what should be done as a next step," he told reporters in Adelaide on March 5.

"We need to allow the process to play out. Sam has rights as an individual - she's pleaded not guilty and I think we need to remember that and respect that."

It comes as Kerr rehabs an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which is expected to sideline her from the Matildas side for the Paris Olympics.

In a statement Football Australia said it was aware of the legal proceedings but was unable to provide further comment as the matter was ongoing.

"Our focus remains on supporting all our players, both on and off the field. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as appropriate," the statement said.

Anna McGuinness

Anna McGuinness

Breaking News National Journalist