Matildas captain Sam Kerr held in a cell on the night she allegedly called a UK cop a ‘stupid white bastard’
Court documents have revealed that Matildas captain Samantha Kerr was taken into custody the night she allegedly racially abused a UK police officer.
According to court transcripts, there are also numerous body camera clips filmed by police of the alleged incident, that will be used as evidence in court.
Kerr allegedly racially harassed the officer — who has been identified only as PC Lovell by British authorities — by calling them a “stupid white bastard”.
She has been charged with using insulting, threatening or abusive words that cause alarm or distress after the alleged incident in Twickenham on January 30 this year.
She pleaded not guilty to the offence and is due to face trial in February 2025. If found guilty, Kerr could face up to six months jail or an unlimited fine.
The Matildas captain is believed to have been interviewed, as well as detained, when she was arrested over the incident.
Her defence team has requested that the transcript and audio of that interview be provided to them.
The claims against Kerr stem from an alleged dispute involving a taxi.
The 2018 Young Australian of the Year is said to have been sick in the back of the cab following a night out when police were called. She then allegedly made the remark.
It is also said to have occurred hours after she scored a hat-trick with her English club, Chelsea.
Her lawyers are expected to attempt to have the charges dismissed next month, well ahead of any trial.
When news broke that Kerr had been charged, Football Australia boss James Johnson and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson both admitted they were not aware of the allegations, sparking speculation Kerr had kept the alleged incident secret from them.
Initially, Football Australia released a statement saying the organisation would monitor the situation.
Since then, they have come out in support of the sports star saying she had a right “to a fair and just legal process”.
“We trust the judicial system to handle this matter appropriately and urge respect for the legal proceedings,” they said.
“We are in touch with Sam and her team, and Football Australia is committed to supporting Sam throughout this process.”
WA Premier Roger Cook also pledged his support for Kerr over the incident saying he didn’t think the comments made were racist.
“I don’t think it is racist. Sam is a great West Australian,” Mr Cook said.
“She’s done so much for Western Australian sport and so much for women and girls’ sports.”
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