Opinion: Sam Kerr must be stripped of Matildas captaincy after drunk night out

Sam Kerr is among the world’s best footballers but there is no excusing the behaviour that landed her in a London court. Football Australia must treat her the same way they would a misbehaving Socceroo, writes ERIN SMITH.

There is no doubt that Sam Kerr is one of the best women’s footballers in the world but the star striker should be stripped of her Matildas’ captain armband and banned from any leadership roles.

Kerr has been one of many female footballers calling for more equality between men’s and women’s sports.

But if the captain of any of our national men’s teams, the Socceroos included, had been found drunk in a taxi, midseason, and using deplorable language they would have been stood down from the role immediately.

So why should Kerr get any special treatment?

Sam Kerr has spent the past week in a London courtroom. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Regardless of the fact the UK courts found her not guilty of racially aggravated harassment, the 31-year-old’s behaviour that has been revealed at the trial in the UK is unacceptable – particularly of a leader.

Football Australia needs to take a hard line stance and send a message to the millions of Matildas fans that behaviour like this will not be swept under the rug and forgotten about.

There are no excuses.

If a fan had yelled similar to her or any other player from the grandstands they would face a hefty fine and most likely a lifelong ban from the stadium or any future fixture.

I’m not saying Kerr’s contract with club or country should be torn up. There are elite athletes who have engaged in worse behaviour and continue to play.

But she shouldn’t be allowed to hold any form of leadership position.

Because being among the best in the world at something shouldn’t mean you escape scrutiny for your actions.

Sure some might argue that Kerr didn’t ask to be a role model – and that may be true.

But wearing that captain’s armband makes you one whether you like it or not.

There is an extra level of responsibility that is expected of you.

It’s time to strip Sam Kerr of the Matildas captaincy, writes Erin Smith. Picture: Adam Head

No one is perfect and mistakes will be made but this wasn’t just a slip of a tongue it was a drunken night out, midseason, gone very wrong.

The Matildas are the biggest sporting team in the nation right now. Kerr, had a part to play in making that happen.

But if Football Australia wants to keep their family friendly vibe and continue to see thousands of young people sitting in the stands and pulling on boots then they need to find a new face.

The Matildas will put their family friendly vibe at risk if they continue with Sam Kerr as captain. Pics Adam Head

Because there won’t be many parents in Australia right now who want their children to “be like Sam Kerr”.

There are plenty of other candidates to choose from.

Steph Catley has done an excellent job as interim captain. Or there is Ellie Carpenter, just 24 years old and already been in the Matildas for a decade.

She is a three-time Olympian, not afraid to take a stand against the big issues like online trolls and bullying and truly embodies the Matildas’ never say die attitude they are famous for.

Whoever Football Australia, the coach or team choose it can’t be Kerr.

Originally published as Opinion: Sam Kerr must be stripped of Matildas captaincy after drunk night out