Sam Kerr, Australian soccer player, retains support from Chelsea and Football Australia. Image source: Katie Chan. Via Wikimedia Commons
Sam Kerr’s lawyers seek to have her criminal charges dismissed on the grounds of abuse of process.
Sam Kerr, professional soccer player for Chelsea, captain of the Matildas, all-time leading goal scorer, and widely considered one of the best strikers in the world, is under fire regarding an altercation with a UK police officer.
The incident reportedly occurred January 30 2023 in south-west London.
Kerr, out celebrating Chelsea’s victory over Liverpool, was reported to have been sick in the back of a taxi.
Kerr reportedly disputed the taxi fare and police arrived to handle the dispute.
She is alleged to have called the police officer — known currently as PC Lovell — a “stupid white bastard”, which her lawyers argue is untrue. Her legal team instead argues that she called the officer a “stupid white cop”.
UK Police did not prosecute Sam Kerr until 2024, a year after the incident. This is reportedly due to prosecutors being unable to decide what offence to charge her under.
The current charge is of racially aggravated harassment, with a criminal trial set to take place in 2025.
The crown prosecutors allege that Kerr intended to cause Lovell “harassment, alarm or distress” by using “abusive or insulting words or behaviour”.
She has pleaded not guilty.
Kerr’s lawyers are expected to appear in a hearing set for April 26 2024 to have the charges downgraded or dismissed, arguing abuse of process.
Emma Hayes, manager of the Women’s Super League club, has addressed the allegations, stating that Kerr has Chelsea’s full support.
“I can say that I know she’s pleaded not guilty and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardise anything for Sam by speaking about it”, said Hayes.
“For that reason, I’m sure you can appreciate that’s all I’m going to say on the matter.
“But she has our full support, she knows that, it’s really important I get that across, it’s something I really really value.”
Football Australia has also released a statement in support of Kerr.
Kerr has not commented on the allegations outside of court.
