Football Australia boss James Johnson ‘committed’ to supporting Matildas star Sam Kerr

Football Australia chief executive officer James Johnson has called for the “legal process” to be “respected” as the fallout continues over Matildas star Sam Kerr.

Football Australia has “reaffirmed” its support for besieged Matildas superstar Sam Kerr amid reports she will claim she didn’t call a police officer a “stupid white bastard”.

Kerr has been charged with the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in an incident that allegedly stemmed from a disagreement over a taxi fare in London on January 30 last year.

The 30-year-old striker, whose father Roger was born in India, wasn’t charged until January this year but failed to inform FA of the charge.

A trial date has been set for February next year; however, Kerr’s legal team will apply to have the case dismissed on grounds of “abuse of process” in a hearing set to take place on April 26.

The Australian has reported that while Kerr has not denied using the word “white”, she has claimed she said “stupid white cop”.

Sam Kerr will attempt to have her case dismissed. Picture: Izhar Khan / AFP

FA chief executive James Johnson called for “respect for the legal proceedings”.

“As CEO of Football Australia, I want to reaffirm our support for Sam Kerr amidst the current allegations,” Johnson said.

“Sam has pleaded not guilty and her right to a fair and just legal process is important.

“We trust the judicial system to handle this matter appropriately and urge respect for the legal proceedings.

“We are in touch with Sam and her team, and Football Australia is committed to supporting Sam throughout this process.”

FA would not comment on a News Corp Australia report that a “bitter fallout was looming” between FA and Kerr.

Kerr’s camp is reportedly angry with FA because a “media maelstrom” has been fuelled by Johnson saying on Tuesday that he was “blindsided” by the news of her charge, and his comments and those of Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson “lacked the same empathy” that was shown by the player’s club coach, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.