The trial of Australian soccer star Sam Kerr will go ahead as scheduled on February 3, after a pre-trial hearing at Kingston Crown Court in London.
Kerr, the captain of the Matildas, is charged with alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer during an incident in Twickenham, southwest London, on January 30, 2023.
What Happened
Kerr, 31, pleaded not guilty to the charges in March 2024 and was ordered to attend the pre-trial hearing.
Her legal team had been hoping that the charges would be dropped, but that hope has been dashed.
The prosecution alleges that Kerr called a police officer a “stupid white bastard” after a dispute over a taxi fare.
Matildas star Sam Kerr will face a court trial in London next month after she was accused of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in 2023.
WATCH@theheraldsun @dailytelegraph @theTiser @couriermail pic.twitter.com/OEddYV89Xe— Sophie Elsworth (@sophieelsworth) January 14, 2025
However, Kerr’s team claims that she said “stupid white cop”, not “bastard”.
Reaction Outside the Courtroom
As Kerr left the courtroom, she was met with a media frenzy, but she refused to answer any questions. Reporters asked her if she was disappointed that the trial was going ahead and if she regretted the night out, but she remained silent.
Potential Consequences
If convicted, Kerr could face up to two years in custody, as the offence is considered racially aggravated.
However, some Australian politicians have questioned whether the alleged slur should be considered “racist”.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Western Australia Premier Roger Cook have both spoken out in support of Kerr, with Cook saying that she is a “great West Australian” who has done a lot for women’s and girls’ sports.
Impact on Kerr’s Career
The incident has also raised questions about Kerr’s role as captain of the Matildas.
There have been calls for Football Australia to strip her of the captaincy, as she failed to inform them about the charge.
However, FA boss James Johnson has said that the organization will wait for the trial to conclude before making any decisions.
Kerr has been sidelined with an ACL injury since January last year, and Chelsea expects her to be back playing by March at the latest.
What’s Next
Kerr’s trial is scheduled to start on February 3, and the outcome could have significant consequences for her career and reputation.
As the case unfolds, we will continue to provide updates and analysis. Stay tuned for more information on this developing story.