Sam Kerr not-guilty verdict: Queenslanders offer their opinions on Matildas star’s London court case

Football superstar Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of racial harassment overnight, throwing open the debate on her future as captain of the Matildas. Here’s what Queenslanders who followed the case had to say.

Matildas and global football superstar Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of racial harassment overnight, throwing open the debate on the entire week-long hearing and her future as captain of her country.

The verdict came after she labelled a police officer “f — ing stupid and white” during a heated argument with police officer PC Stephen Lovell in the early hours of January 30, 2023 at Twickenham police station in southwest London.

The charge carried a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment and fine of about $5000, but the 12-person jury on Wednesday morning delivered a unanimous not guilty decision nearly 24 hours after they were first sent off to deliberate.

Queenslanders who followed the seven-day hearing offered their opinions on the entire situation, with most feeling she had been treated unfairly, or at least should now be allowed to get on with playing football.

Mitch Osborne, 41, said he believes the verdict should clear Kerr and allow her to continue her life and career undisrupted.

“I think being found not guilty should exonerate her,” he said.

“If the decision had gone the other way, I think it would’ve had more of an impact, but I think it’s pretty much ‘case closed’ now.”

Suggesting the case should have never gone to trial, Tarewa Barret Kahukura, 23, said he wholeheartedly agreed with the not guilty verdict.

“I thought the whole thing was ridiculous, to be honest,” he said.

Aimee Sanders, 31, said she thought Kerr was treated unfairly in comparison to male athletes who behaved poorly.

“I think the way she’s been treated is a little bit unfair when there’s been someone like Ezra Mam who’s obviously done something way worse than what she has, and has been welcomed back with kind of open arms,” she said.

Ms Sanders said Kerr “should just be allowed to get on with it, get back in, keep her captaincy, and move on”.

While he hadn’t followed the case closely, a Paddington man said he believed the issue “probably should have been dealt with in court or privately”.

“I’m happy it’s a not-guilty verdict. Honestly, I think people say dumb stuff all the time when they’re drunk,” he said.

“I don’t think it should affect her career, it’s just an off handed comment.”

Lily Dawson, 27, was happy Kerr was found not guilty.

“I mean, she definitely acted out of order, but if she was found not guilty I don’t think she should have to lose her captaincy or anything,” she said.

“She got drunk and behaved pretty badly but I agree with the verdict.”

Originally published as Sam Kerr not-guilty verdict: Queenslanders offer their opinions on Matildas star’s London court case