Football fans have been left scratching their heads about the timeline regarding Sam Kerr’s alleged racial harassment of a police officer, with many wondering why the public didn’t know about it sooner.
On Tuesday morning, Daily Mail exclusively revealed that the Matildas captain will face trial in February next year for the alleged incident.
The Chelsea striker appeared in court accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to the officer in Twickenham, southwest London, on January 30 last year.
The 30-year-old, who wore a white T-shirt under a black suit jacket as she appeared at Kingston Crown Court via videolink, spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge.
She was told she was obliged to attend a four-day trial, scheduled for next February, during which two police officers are expected to give evidence.
The Matildas superstar pleaded not guilty after being charged with an alleged ‘racially aggravated offence’ against a police officer
Some fans are curious about why the incident is only being made public now, more than a year after it allegedly occurred
Some fans following the case are wondering why the incident is only coming to light now, more than a year after it allegedly occurred.
One posted to X: ‘What’s with the delay? Was the charge laid months after the incident?’
Another wrote: ‘She was charged in 2023 but faces trial in 2025?? Why the long wait?’
Journalist Tracey Holmes also posted about it, writing: ‘Plenty of questions over the criminal charge against the #Matildas captain #SamKerr for alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer – in the NRL she would have been stood down already.
‘This happened in January 2023, who knew what and when?’
A fan based in the UK replied to Holmes’ question, offering an explanation.
‘We have this concept in the United Kingdom called ‘innocent until proven guilty’,’ the fan said.
Holmes replied: ‘Yes. Agree. My questions do not apply to the law where everybody should be treated equally, but to other areas where certain people are treated differently to others.
Plenty of questions over the criminal charge against the #Matildas captain #SamKerr for alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer – in the NRL she would have been stood down already. This happened in January 2023, who knew what and when? https://t.co/klDx5YtC7b
— Tracey Holmes (@TraceyLeeHolmes) March 4, 2024
Football Australia has promised to support the star as she waits for her four-day criminal trial to begin in February 2025
‘Am sure you’ve noticed how media treats allegations of racism by men who play sport? You might have noticed also football is very big on promoting anti-racism slogans? These are my questions.’
Football Australia released a statement on Tuesday morning saying it will ‘monitor’ the situation.
‘Football Australia is aware of the legal proceedings involving Sam Kerr in the United Kingdom,’ a statement read.
‘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.’
As of publishing this article, Chelsea hasn’t commented on the incident but the team has a history of condemning racial abuse.
‘The club stands strongly against any form of abuse and discriminatory behaviour,’ the club said in a 2023 statement after abuse was directed at Kerr’s teammate Lauren James.
‘Discrimination has no place at Chelsea Football Club or in any of our communities. We will take action against any individual that we can identify.’
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