- Matildas, Chelsea striker has appeared in court
- To face four-day criminal trial next February
- Accused of racially aggravated harassment of police officer
Football Australia has declared it will ‘monitor’ the situation involving Matildas captain Sam Kerr after revelations she will face trial in England next January accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.
As exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail, Kerr, who plays for Chelsea in London, appeared in court in the UK on Monday accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to PC Lovell during an incident in Twickenham on January 30.
She appeared at Kingston Crown Court via videolink, spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge, which was later confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.
The Matildas superstar pleaded not guilty after being charged with an alleged ‘racially aggravated offence’ against a police officer
The charge against Kerr (pictured playing for Chelsea) stems from an alleged incident in London on January 30 last year
‘Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986,’ the police charge sheet stated.
‘The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.’
Kerr’s counsel denied her behaviour was racially ‘aggravated’ and Football Australia has vowed to support her.
‘Football Australia is aware of the legal proceedings involving Sam Kerr in the United Kingdom,’ an FA statement read.
Football Australia has promised to support the star as she waits for her four-day criminal trial to begin in February 2025
‘As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.
‘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.’
Both FA boss James Johnson and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson were due to front the media on Tuesday to announce the next round of Matildas home clashes before the Paris Olympics.
Kerr won’t be in Paris having suffered an ACL injury that has also sidelined her from playing for Chelsea.
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