What you said about Sam Kerr not guilty on racial abuse charge
Sam Kerr’s tawdry saga has concluded – but the conversation is only now just starting about what happens next to the Matildas star. HAVE YOUR SAY
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sam Kerr’s tawdry saga has concluded – but the conversation is only now just starting about what happens next to the Matildas star.
Former detective Terry Goldsworthy, an associate professor at Bond University, kickstarted the debate following Kerr’s not guilty verdict over the charge of racially harassing a police officer.
The problems started after Kerr had vomited whilst in a cab after a drunken night out in January 2023.
At some stage, the driver saw fit to ring the police after becoming concerned by the behaviour of Kerr and her partner. He was directed to drive to a police station at Twickenham.
From there the interaction with police is recorded by bodycam so there is clear evidence of what happened between the police and Kerr.
Kerr admitted she was drunk on the night in question. During her interaction with the police Kerr repeatedly swore and shouted at the officers.
“As someone who has walked the beat in Surfer Paradise on the Gold Coast, I can attest how difficult it is to deal with arrogant, entitled drunks,” Dr Goldsworthy wrote.
“The issue at the crux of the criminal charge against Kerr is when she called police “f**king stupid and white”. This insult was said on multiple occasions, it was not a one-off throw away comment. Kerr also called the police c**ts.
â ‘Ridiculous’: What Qld said about Kerr saga
“In her interaction with police Kerr herself early on declared “this is a f**king racial f**king thing”. In her evidence at court Kerr admitted that her comment did show hostility to the officer based on his whiteness.”
In the footage Kerr is given the options of being criminally charged or paying for the cab to be cleaned, she opted for the first choice.
“That would now appear to be the biggest mistake of her career,” Dr Goldsworthy wrote.
“ … The jury found Kerr not guilty, not convinced she had racially harassed the officer.
“However, this finding cannot hide her atrocious behaviour. Police deserve better treatment than this.
“Kerr has now kicked the greatest own goal of her career.”
Many readers jumped in to support Kerr, claiming her actions were noth that bad.
Others, though, said she should never again be picked for Australia.
See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>
WHAT YOU SAID
Those supporting Kerr
Tup
What the media are doing to Sam Kerr, is far worse than what Sam Kerr did on that night.
Mike
My word oodles of holier than thou comments
Wayne
She was drunk and did not act well but I cannot understand why she was charged with racist slur.
Pam
The tall poppy syndrome is alive and well, I see. I am not condoning Sam Kerr’s behaviour, but really, some on here need to get a life.
Shane
Mountain out of a mole hill. She got drunk and behaved poorly. I’m sure she has learnt from it. Apologise and move on.
Those against Kerr
Michael
Do a survey on her support. I don’t think it will be there at all.
John
Australia most definitely is NOT behind her.
Radio RKO
The foul mouthed Kerr, supposedly the nicest person living even told her police minder that she hoped she never saw her again. What a piece of work!
P
Not a role model.
Georgina
Can’t stand her or that soccer side
Paul
I certainly do not think she is worthy of representing this country in any capacity.
gayle
She is no leader so she should not captain anything!
Originally published as What you said about Sam Kerr not guilty on racial abuse charge