Sam Kerr, a prominent figure in women’s soccer, was acquitted on Tuesday of charges related to racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.
The striker for the Australian national team and Chelsea Football Club admitted to calling Police Constable Stephen Lovell “stupid and white” during a heated confrontation at a police station following a night out in London in January 2023. However, she argued that her words did not amount to the accusations made against her.
The verdict was announced after more than four hours of jury deliberation on the seventh day of the trial held at Kingston Crown Court.
In a statement shared on her Instagram account, Kerr expressed relief at the outcome, stating, “Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me. While I apologize for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed.”
The incident arose after it was reported that Kerr and her fiancée, Kristie Mewis, who plays for West Ham in the UK, had been out drinking and were transported to a police station by a taxi driver. The driver alleged that they refused to pay for the cleanup after one of them was sick and that one of them caused damage to the vehicle by breaking a rear window.
During the police station encounter, Kerr claimed she felt threatened and trapped, leading her to lash out at Lovell. In court, she expressed regret over her choice of words but maintained that referencing his race was not intended as an insult. She described her perspective as being about the inherent power dynamics at play.
Judge Peter Lodder remarked after the jury’s decision that Kerr’s own actions significantly contributed to the situation, but he emphasized respect for the jury’s ruling. Kerr’s trial has captured considerable media attention in Australia, with discussions surrounding the legitimacy of the allegations, as well as her behavior during police interviews.
As captain of the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s soccer team, Kerr’s leadership has been scrutinized following the case. She holds the record for the most goals scored for Australia, with 69 goals since her national team debut in 2009.
Football Australia expressed its support for her and indicated that they would use the incident as an opportunity for reflection and growth. The organization highlighted the necessity of setting high standards of conduct for all players, particularly those in leadership roles.
The statement from Football Australia also acknowledged the strain that the situation has imposed on Kerr, her family, and others involved, as well as its repercussions on the soccer community. They reiterated their commitment to supporting Kerr as she navigates her football career, recovers from injury, and prepares for her return.
Kerr, who joined Chelsea in 2019, has achieved impressive statistics, netting 99 goals in 128 appearances for the club. The London team is not only a reigning English champion but also a strong contender in the Women’s Champions League.
After suffering an ACL injury during a training camp in Morocco, Kerr has been sidelined and is set to make her return to the pitch in the upcoming weeks. She is anticipated to participate in international friendlies against South Korea in April ahead of the 2026 AFC Asian Cup.
