Australia international forward Sam Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment of a police officer, as confirmed by prosecutors in Britain on Monday.
Kerr, a player for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, faced charges for causing harassment, alarm, or distress to a police officer during an incident in Twickenham, southwest London, on January 30 last year, as reported by the Crown Prosecution Service.
According to the PA news agency, London’s Metropolitan Police stated that the incident occurred while an officer was responding to a complaint about a taxi fare. Kerr pleaded not guilty to the charge during a plea and trial preparation hearing at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court on Monday, according to the Press Association.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Samantha Kerr, aged 30, from Richmond, was charged with a racially aggravated offense under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986 via postal charge requisition on January 21.
The charge stems from an incident involving a police officer responding to a complaint about a taxi fare on January 30, 2023, in Twickenham. As of now, Chelsea has not officially commented on the reported incident.
READ ALSO: UEFA unveils new Champions League format starting 2024–2025 season
In court, Judge Judith Elaine Coello reportedly discussed with Kerr’s barrister, Grace Forbes, stating that Kerr’s defense argues she didn’t intend to cause alarm, harassment, or distress to the officer, and her behavior did not amount to it, nor was it racially aggravated.
Football Australia released a statement acknowledging the legal proceedings involving Sam Kerr in the United Kingdom. The statement emphasized that as the matter is ongoing, they cannot provide further comment at this time. Their focus remains on supporting all players, both on and off the field, and they will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as needed.
Football Australia’s chief executive, James Johnson, informed reporters in Australia on Tuesday that the federation had not been informed by Kerr of the charges.
Johnson expressed his surprise at the news, stating that Football Australia found out about the event like everyone else that morning. He emphasized that they are currently trying to understand the situation and have their own questions that need answers.
Johnson stressed the importance of allowing the legal process in the United Kingdom to run its course and stated that they are awaiting further information before making any additional comments or decisions regarding the matter. The trial is set to begin in February next year and is expected to last four days, with two police officers scheduled to provide evidence.
Kerr is widely recognized as one of Australia’s most prominent figures, particularly following the Matildas’ impressive performance in the Women’s World Cup in 2023, where they reached the semifinals. She holds the record for the most goals scored in international football for Australia, with 69 goals in 128 games.
In May, Kerr had the honor of carrying the Australian flag at the coronation of King Charles in Westminster Abbey. Since 2020, she has scored 58 goals for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, building on successful spells with clubs in the United States and Australia.
Unfortunately, Kerr is currently sidelined due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during a warm-weather training camp with the Chelsea women’s team in Morocco in January.
Credible news.ng
