Sam Kerr, a prominent figure in women’s soccer, was acquitted Tuesday of a charge related to racially aggravated harassment against a police officer.
The Australian striker, who plays for Chelsea in England, acknowledged that during an intense situation at a police station following a night out in London back in January 2023, she referred to Police Constable Stephen Lovell as “stupid and white.” However, she maintained that her comment did not constitute harassment.
The jury, comprising 12 members, deliberated for over four hours before delivering their verdict on the seventh day of the trial held at Kingston Crown Court.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Kerr remained composed as the verdict was announced, but she gave a positive gesture to her attorney, Grace Forbes, once the judge had exited the courtroom.
The case arose after Kerr and her fiancée, Kristie Mewis, a soccer player for West Ham, had been out drinking. It was reported that a taxi driver brought them to the police station due to a dispute regarding clean-up costs after one of them became ill and allegedly broke the taxi’s rear window.
Kerr claimed she felt endangered during the taxi journey, leading to her confrontational behavior at the police station, during which she directed profane remarks towards Lovell while using the term “stupid and white.” While being questioned in court, she expressed regret over her choice of words and clarified that her mention of Lovell’s race was not intended as an insult.
Identifying as a white Anglo-Indian, Kerr explained her sentiments by stating that she perceived his actions as an exercise of power that wouldn’t allow him to comprehend their situation or the fear they were experiencing.
Following the jury’s decision, Judge Peter Lodder remarked on Kerr’s conduct, noting that her actions significantly influenced the circumstances surrounding the accusations against her. Although he confirmed the jury’s decision, he indicated that this perspective would have implications for the matter of costs associated with the trial.
The case has captured extensive media attention back in Australia, with the proceedings being scrutinized daily.
Discussions around the validity of the charges and Kerr’s behavior during police questioning have been prevalent, and her leadership as captain of the national team, the Matildas, has faced criticism from some quarters.
Kerr stands as Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 69 goals to her name since her international debut in 2009.
Recently, James Johnson, the head of Australia’s Football Association, opted not to discuss Kerr’s inclusion in the national team, suggesting it would be premature until the trial concluded.
He expressed empathy for any disappointment among fans and emphasized the need to allow Kerr to navigate the trial process before making judgments.
Kerr, who joined Chelsea in 2019, has netted 99 times in 128 appearances for the club, which is the reigning English champion and a strong contender for the Women’s Champions League.
Regrettably, she has been sidelined since suffering an ACL injury during a training camp in Morocco earlier in January 2024.
Nevertheless, she is anticipated to make her comeback in the near future, aiming to represent Australia in a couple of international friendlies against South Korea slated for April, in preparation for the upcoming 2026 AFC Asian Cup.
