Anthony Albanese recalls Sam Kerr was delightful when meeting her at King Charles’ coronation

The Prime Minister has leapt to the defence of Matildas star Sam Kerr in the wake of allegations she racially abused a cop.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has leapt to the defence of Matildas superstar Sam Kerr in the wake of allegations she racially abused a police officer in London.

Kerr will stand trial in England next January accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in an alleged altercation over a taxi fare in January 2023.

Matildas star Sam Kerr pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment of a police officer. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

The 30-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge in a London court where she appeared via video link on Monday.

Speaking at ASEAN on Wednesday, Mr Albanese said while he wouldn’t comment on the current court proceedings Kerr faces in England, he believed she was an inspiring Aussie.

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

Sam Kerr with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have met on several occasions, including at theFIFA Women’s World Cup. Picture: Mark Metcalfe – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

“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, who plays for Chelsea in London, is accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to PC Lovell during an incident in Twickenham on January 30, 2023.

However, Kerr’s counsel denied her behaviour was racially “aggravated” when the matter was mentioned in court on Monday.

Matildas captain Sam Kerr will face trial in England in January 2025. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

When the news broke on Tuesday morning in Australia, Football Australia was left scrambling to learn more about the allegations after reportedly not being told by Kerr or her management about the charge.

Football Australia Johnson CEO James Johnson said Kerr “had rights” and a decision about her captaincy will be made at a later date.

“We have to get some answers before we have a view on what should be done as a next step,” he said.

Chelsea Football Club have also yet to make a statement in relation to her court appearance.

Kerr is currently recovering from an ACL injury, won’t be part of the Matildas Olympic campaign in July.

The Matildas captain represented Australia at King Charles’ coronation by being a flag bearer at Westminster Abbey in May last year.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson says the organisation would wait till it had all the facts before making a decision about Kerr’s future. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Originally published as Anthony Albanese recalls Sam Kerr was delightful when meeting her at King Charles’ coronation