Matildas coach and Football Australia respond to Sam Kerr’s police incident

Football Australia won’t make any rash calls on Matildas captain Sam Kerr after shock revelations she has been charged by London police amid racism allegations.

Matildas star Sam Kerr will face trial after being charged by police. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Football Australia boss James Johnson says superstar Matildas captain Sam Kerr “has rights” and there will be no moves on her leadership after shock revelations she had been charged by UK police for allegedly racially harassing a police officer last January.

Both Johnson and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson were unaware of the charge against Kerr until reports emerged early on Tuesday morning, more than a year after the incident first occurred.

Kerr is set to face trial in England next January accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in an alleged altercation over a taxi fare, after pleading not guilty in a London court where she appeared via video link on Monday.

Despite the incident occurring in January 2023, Johnson said he was in the dark and was careful not to make any assumptions given they were “serious allegations” while maintaining “there is no place for racism in our sport”.

“We’re trying to get to the bottom of it at the moment. We have our own questions we would like to know. We have got to find out what actually happened,” Johnson said in Adelaide, having woken up to the shock news.

“There is a process that is underway … and that process needs to run its course.

“I don’t want to get into any allegations. We have to understand what happened. They are serious allegations. It regards racism and there is no place for racism in our sport. At the same time Sam has rights, natural justice rights, procedural rights that she has to work her way through and we respect that.”

Football Australia CEO James Johnson speaking at a press conference at Adelaide Oval. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

“We woke up to this morning. I was getting on the flight to Adelaide when I found out. So we have to establish the facts, get some answers before we have a view on what should be done as a next step.”

Johnson, who is yet to speak to Kerr, said he wouldn’t be asking for Kerr, who celebrated the 30th birthday of Matildas teammate Mackenzie Arnold just hours after her court appearance, to stand down as captain.

Kerr is currently recovering from an ACL injury, won’t be part of the Matildas Olympic campaign and may not play again anywhere until the end of the year as she recovers from the surgery.

“We need to allow the process to play out. I think that’s important,” he said.

“Sam has rights as an individual. She has pleaded not guilty. I think we need to remember that and we need to respect that.”

“I haven’t spoken to Sam other than a text message just to check in on her well being at the moment because she is an employee of ours and also a player.”

Sam Kerr is accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to a police officer. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Kerr, who plays for Chelsea in London, appeared in court in the UK on Monday 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.

She appeared at Kingston Crown Court via video link, spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge, which was later confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.

“Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986,” the police charge sheet stated.

“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”

Kerr’s counsel denied her behaviour was racially “aggravated” and Chelsea has also not yet stood her down.

Professional Footballers Australia co-chief executive Kate Gill said to “prejudge matters” could have a “devastating impact” on Kerr.

“Sam is entitled to a fair hearing before the courts,” Gill said.

“Sam has made, and continues to make, an enormous contribution to Australian football and the broader country.

“Regardless of all her achievements, she is a person first and foremost, and like all of our members, the PFA will ensure she is supported.”