Chelsea striker and Australia captain Sam Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment of a London police officer.
Sam Kerr, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to a racially aggravated offence during a court hearing on Monday.
The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed the charges, which stem from an alleged incident involving a police officer responding to a taxi fare complaint in Twickenham on 30 January 2023.
Kerr is scheduled to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on 1 February 2025.
The incident, which led to the charges, occurred in January 2023 and involved a police officer responding to a complaint related to a taxi fare.
The Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated that Kerr was charged on 21 January under Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986.
The Australian striker denied the charges during a plea and trial preparation hearing at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court.
Despite the legal proceedings, Kerr continues to maintain her innocence in connection with the alleged incident.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson addressed the media in Adelaide on Tuesday, expressing the federation’s awareness of the “very serious allegations” surrounding Kerr.
Johnson emphasised the commitment to eradicating racism from the sport while acknowledging Kerr’s rights to natural justice and due process.
When questioned about Kerr’s status as the national team captain, Johnson stated that the federation would await the outcome of the court case before deciding on any actions.
