‘National icon’: Australians defend Sam Kerr after details of slur emerges

Australians are reacting to the news about Sam Kerr’s alleged slur in controversial fashion with many saying the same thing.

Sam Kerr has only endeared herself more to the Australian public as a result of the latest details to emerge from her alleged racial harassment of a police officer.

That’s the controversial view many Australians have been sharing on social media on Thursday after it was revealed the Matildas captain allegedly called a police officer a “stupid white bastard” in a dispute over a taxi fare in Twickenham last year.

Kerr, 30, is set to face a trial in London next year after pleading not guilty to a charge arising from the alleged incident.

However, there is a possibility the matter will not proceed to trial. A hearing is scheduled for April 26 where it is believed her legal team will apply to have the case dismissed on grounds of abuse of process.

Sam Kerr has an army of fans. Photo: Getty and Instagram, @kristiemewis.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson called the allegation “unsettling” and “very serious”, but many have since come out in defense of the soccer star.

Despite early reports that her $3 million sponsorship empire could crumble following this incident, many have taken to social media to share their support for Kerr calling her a “national hero” and “absolute legend”.

NSW Premier Chris Minns also addressed the issue on Thursday, giving a simple “no” response when asked if he believed Kerr’s comment should be considered racist.

NSW health Minister Ryan Park also said he would not consider Kerr’s comment racist if it was said to him.

“I’ve been called a lot worse, so no,” Park said, as first reported by News Corp.

Meanwhile, former Hockeyroos star and Channel 7 sport commentator Georgie Parker was among those supporting Kerr on X, formerly Known as Twitter.

Even more true now 😂😂 https://t.co/LPBsVoAjg4pic.twitter.com/FRXFQqkuHT

— Georgie Parker (@georgieparker) March 6, 2024

sam kerr is a national hero 🇦🇺🙏 shes so real https://t.co/WZ9jYTZCnM

— 🦑 fishguy (@FlSHfish) March 6, 2024

I’ve been laughing about that Sam Kerr quote all morning lmao it reminds me of when people were getting tight about somebody (I can’t remember who) got called a bitch ass white boy in the NBA 😂😂 Sam Kerr has a fan in me for life!

— Real Name, No Gimmicks (@CarsonAMerk) March 6, 2024

sam kerr you absolute legend

— ol velasquez (@away_goals) March 6, 2024

what a story arch for sam kerr. went from the villain to the hero all within 24 hours.

— husky tracks (@huskytrax5) March 6, 2024

Sam Kerr for President of the Australian Republic!!! pic.twitter.com/uLii3VyIKG

— Stupid White Bastard (@DancingDanB) March 6, 2024

Sam Kerr should I tell more men they’re stupid white bastards, (esp those in powerful positions) and continue her good service to Australian women everywhere.

Sam is a legend 💚💛

— I’m just Emma 👑 (@emma_husar) March 6, 2024

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes on Thursday also spoke out in support of Kerr.

“Sam has our full support. She knows that. It’s a difficult time for her,” Hayes said on Wednesday.

“Of course I can’t comment, you know that. I can say I know she’s pleaded not guilty and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardise anything for Sam by speaking about it.

“For that reason, I’m sure you can appreciate that’s all I’m going to say on the matter, but she has our full support, she knows that, it’s really important I get that across. It’s something I really value.”

The alleged incident occurred before last year’s World Cup, which was held in Australia and New Zealand, but was not publicly disclosed until now.

Kerr has been charged with intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to the male PC under section 31(1)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. She has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Kerr could face a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment.

The incident allegedly occurred on January 30, 2023, just hours after Kerr scored an incredible hat-trick to propel Chelsea to a 3-2 FA Cup victory over Liverpool.

The trial is expected to get underway in February, 2025 and is due to last four days with two police officers to give evidence.

Sam Kerr celebrates Mackenzie Arnold’s 30th. Instagram/mackenziearnold

Sam Kerr with fiance Kristie Mewis.

On Monday, judge Judith Elaine Coello said she understood that Kerr’s defence would be that she did not intend to cause alarm, harassment or distress to the police officer and that her behaviour was not racially motivated.

The lengthy delay in charging Kerr was reportedly due to Crown Prosecution Service lawyers deciding what offence to prosecute her for.

Kerr, who became the first female footballer to appear on the front cover of the global FIFA 23 video game, has spoken out against racism in the past.

She and the Matildas team linked arms and posed with an Aboriginal flag ahead of their match against New Zealand in 2021.

Kerr said at the time: “We’re very proud of it.

“We spoke a lot about it as a team. We wanted to do something that was important to us and show unity within our group.”

She is the only player to have won three different leagues and on three different continents.

Kerr was selected to carry the Australian national flag at Prince Charles’ coronation at Westminster Abbey in May last year, cementing her iconic status Down Under.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wouldn’t comment on the matter but said his interaction with Kerr had only been positive.

“I don’t comment on legal matters before Australian courts, let alone other ones,” Mr Albanese said.

“I will say this about my contact with Sam Kerr, she was our flag bearer at the coronation. My contact with her was exemplary.

“She did Australia proud at that time and I think that my contact with her has been nothing but delightful.”

Kerr signed for Chelsea in 2019 and has since scored 99 goals in 128 matches.

Originally published as ‘National icon’: Australians defend Sam Kerr after details of slur emerges