Sam Kerr returns as Football Australia say public ‘may not be aware’ of all incident details

Sam Kerr has been cleared to return to the Matildas as Football Australia suggested there may be more that the public is not aware of.

Football Australia has suggested the general public may not be aware of “additional context” surrounding the Sam Kerr court case that rocked Australian football.

The 31-year-old was on February 12 found not guilty on one charge of racially aggravated harassment after she called a police officer “f***ing stupid and white”.

Football Australia (FA) has now come forward to announce Kerr has been cleared to return to full duties with the Matildas ahead of the team’s upcoming matches against South Korea in Sydney and Newcastle, beginning Friday.

The million-dollar question about the potential of her being stripped of the captaincy was not addressed in the statement.

Kerr admitted during the court hearings at Kingston Crown Court in the UK she was drunk at the time of the incident with police following a night out that led to her vomiting in a taxi and a window in the taxi being smashed before police were called.

That behaviour was enough for some to suggest she was not fit to captain the national team.

Kerr, who hasn’t played since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in January last year, met with the FA board in relation to its code of conduct recently.

Body-cam footage of Sam Kerr after the taxi incident was played in court. Source: Twitter.

Body-cam footage of Sam Kerr after the taxi incident was played in court. Source: Twitter.

An FA statement said that Kerr acknowledged her actions which led to her arrest were “not her best moment and recognised the broader impact it had”.

“Knowing how Sam feels about the events, along with the additional context we’ve learned, has added vital perspective that the general public may not be aware of,” Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac said in explaining the decision to take no further action against Kerr.

“Setting aside those difficulties, this one incident should not offset the incredible contributions she has made, both publicly and privately, on and off the field for more than 15 years.”

Sam Kerr was found not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment. Photo: Peter Nicholls/Getty Images.

The Chelsea striker said she wanted to express her “sincere regret for how events unfolded”.

“It was an incredibly difficult period for me, my family, my club, my teammates, and especially for the fans whose support means so much to us,” she said.

“I recognise that leadership means being mindful of our actions both on and off the pitch.

“I’m proud of the Matildas, the role I have played as a member of that team, and everything we stand for, and I’m committed to learning from this experience.

“Moving forward, I’m focused on doing my part to ensure we grow even stronger together, and I look forward to having the opportunity of rejoining the team once I’m fit and ready.”

Sam Kerr has joined the Matildas for a training camp. Photo: Izhar Khan/AFP.

FA board member and chair of the football development committee Heather Garriock said Kerr remained a “valued member of the Matildas, recognised by her teammates for her leadership qualities”.

“We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming her back once she is fit and ready, and we fully support her ongoing journey in Australian football,” Garriock said.

“The team will continue open dialogue to ensure we all grow and learn together.

“In light of these events, Football Australia is also refining its guidelines and training at every level to reinforce accountability, address potential reputational risks, and explore policy enhancements that will help prevent similar incidents and support everyone involved in the future.”

Sam Kerr outside Kingston Crown Court. Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images.

While she won’t play for the Matildas against South Korea on Friday in Sydney and next Monday in Newcastle, she may take part in “selected training activities” and will continue her rehabilitation under the supervision of the Matildas’ performance support team.

FA last month released a statement saying the governing body will remind Kerr of the “behavioural standards” expected of national team players.

“Football Australia will reflect with Sam on learnings from this matter and we will continue to provide appropriate support for her moving forward,” the FA said last month.

“We look forward to Sam’s return to the pitch and her continued contributions to both her club and the Matildas on the world stage.

“Sam has been a key figure in Australian football for many years, and we recognise the significant pressures that this matter has brought to Sam, (her partner) Kristie (Mewes), her family, and everyone involved, including the impact it’s had on the game.

“Throughout this period, Football Australia has remained committed to supporting Sam and will continue to do so as she focuses on her footballing career, rehabilitation from injury and return to play.”

Originally published as Sam Kerr returns as Football Australia say public ‘may not be aware’ of all incident details