Australian soccer star Sam Kerr has appeared in a London court for the first day of her trial, accused of racially harassing a police officer.
The 31-year-old Matildas and Chelsea striker is said to have called officer Stephen Lovell “stupid and white” during a dispute over a taxi fare.
The Incident: What Happened?
It’s alleged that Kerr and her partner, fellow footballer Kristie Mewis, got into a taxi after a night out and were diverted off route when they disputed the fare.
The driver took them to Twickenham Police Station, where Mewis reportedly kicked out the rear window, fearing they were being kidnapped.
Kerr allegedly became verbally abusive towards Officer Lovell, using racist language.
The Court Hearing: What Was Said?
Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones told the court that Kerr and Mewis were visibly shaken when they arrived at the station, but things took a turn when Kerr allegedly insulted Officer Lovell, saying: “You guys are stupid and white.
You guys are f****** stupid and white.”
However, Kerr’s lawyer, Grace Forbes, argued that her client’s comments were not about the officer’s ethnicity, but about “positions of power, privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”
The Trial: What’s Next?
Kerr has pleaded not guilty to the charges and her trial is expected to conclude this week.
The court will decide whether Kerr’s comments were indeed racist and how they made Officer Lovell feel.
With the prosecution and defense presenting their cases, it’s up to the jurors to determine the outcome.