Former Matildas star Lisa De Vanna has lashed out at Football Australia over its handling of Sam Kerr’s court case.
De Vanna, who made 150 appearances and scored 50 goals for the Matildas, took to social media to express her outrage.
A Double Standard?
De Vanna’s comments came after Football Australia released a statement supporting Kerr, who was found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment.
The statement failed to address Kerr’s captaincy of the Matildas, sparking De Vanna’s anger.
“Supporting somebody who has behaved poorly vs not supporting someone who calls out poor behaviour, that’s the true culture of the inner circle,” De Vanna wrote on X.
A Troubled Past
De Vanna’s comments also reference her own experiences with the sport. In 2021, she made allegations of bullying, grooming, and sexual harassment within the football community.
While some supported her, others doubted her claims, including Kerr, who referred to the team environment at the time as a “safe haven”.
The Verdict
Kerr was found not guilty after a jury deliberated for over four hours. The judge cautioned Kerr that her own behavior had contributed to the case being brought in the first place.
Kerr apologized for expressing herself poorly and maintained that she did not intend to insult or harm anyone.
Support for Kerr
Matildas vice-captain Emily van Egmond has thrown her support behind Kerr, saying she’s an amazing person and a great leader.
Football Australia has also released a statement supporting Kerr and welcoming her statement.
The Fallout
The controversy has sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with some supporting De Vanna’s comments and others defending Kerr.
The incident has raised questions about the culture of the sport and the handling of controversies by governing bodies.
What’s Next for Kerr?
Kerr remains sidelined as she recovers from a knee injury and won’t play for the Matildas in this month’s She Believes Cup tournament.
Football Australia has committed to supporting Kerr as she focuses on her footballing career and rehabilitation.