Matildas and Chelsea star Sam Kerr is currently facing a criminal trial after an alleged incident with a police officer in January 2024.
The football icon is appearing before a jury at Kingston Crown Court, charged with the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.
The Sporting News explains everything you need to know about Kerr’s alleged run-in with the law.
What has Sam Kerr been charged with?
Kerr is pleading not guilty to a charge of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer under the UK’s public order act.
The incident allegedly occurred on January 30, 2023 in Twickenham.
What did Sam Kerr say to a police officer?
Footage from a police constable’s body camera shows Kerr saying: “Honestly, you guys are… stupid and white.”
Kerr is alleged to have become “abusive and insulting” during the interview with police.
Kerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes said: “Nobody disputes the words that were said. But simple words, even words like these, do not make you guilty of a criminal offence.”
She also said: “The words were a comment, however poorly expressed, about positions of power, about privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”
What crime did Sam Kerr allegedly commit?
Kerr allegedly vomited in a taxi, had an argument with the driver about a taxi fare, before calling a police officer a “stupid and white” during an interview with police.
The Australian star spent time in custody after the incident.
Kerr’s lawyers requested to view all CCTV and body cam footage from the incident.
When will Sam Kerr’s trial end?
The trial is currently underway before a jury at Kingston Crown Court in London.
Kerr is not currently playing football because of a knee injury.
