Football superstar Sam Kerr has denied using a racial slur against a police officer during a heated exchange at a London police station.
The Matildas captain is on trial for racially aggravated harassment, and her testimony has shed new light on the incident.
What Happened That Night?
The drama unfolded on January 30, 2023, when Kerr and her partner, West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis, were out drinking in London.
A taxi driver took them to the police station after one of them was sick and refused to pay clean-up costs. Things took a turn for the worse when Kerr allegedly smashed the vehicle’s rear window.
The Confrontation with Police
At the police station, Kerr claims she felt “trapped” and feared for her life.
She admits to calling police constable Stephen Lovell “stupid and white,” but insists she didn’t mean it as an insult. When asked by prosecutors if she used Lovell’s “whiteness as an insult,” Kerr replied, “No, that’s not what I meant.”
A Case of Misunderstanding?
Kerr, who identifies as a white Anglo-Indian, explained that she was trying to express how she felt Lovell was using his power and privilege over her.
“I believed it was him using his power and privilege over me because he was accusing me of being something I’m not,” she said.
She felt that the officers wouldn’t understand what she and her partner had gone through, and the fear they experienced during the incident.
Key Witness Testimony
The court previously heard that Kerr told police, “this is a racial… thing.” When questioned about this, Kerr said she believed the officers were treating her differently because of the color of her skin, particularly due to Lovell’s behavior.
She felt he was dismissive, called her names, and cut her off when she tried to speak.
A Claim of Unequal Treatment
Kerr also claimed that the officers treated her differently than her partner, Mewis.
She believes this perceived inequality contributed to her perception of the situation.
The trial continues, and the outcome is still uncertain.
One thing is clear, though: this case has sparked a heated debate about power, privilege, and racial sensitivity.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.