Sam Kerr’s parents break their silence over their daughter’s racial harassment trial

Sam Kerr’s parents have broken their silence after the Matilda’s skipper was found not guilty on one charge of racially aggravated harassment in a UK court.

Sam Kerr’s parents have broken their silence after their daughter was found not guilty of racial harassment in a high profile trial.

Outside their home in Perth, Roxanne Kerr, standing with husband Roger, exclusively told NewsWire: “We’re happy the court case is all done and dusted and it’s now behind her.

“Sam felt supported throughout the trial.”

The Matilda’s skipper was found not guilty on one charge of racially aggravated harassment in a UK court earlier this month, after she called a police officer “f***ing stupid and white”.

Sam Kerr’s mother Roxanne Kerr said she and husband Roger were “happy the court case is all done”. Picture: NewsWire/Philip Gostelow

The couple broke their silence outside the family home in Perth. Picture: NewsWire/Philip Gostelow

Bodycam footage was submitted to the court showing Sam Kerr after the taxi incident. Source: Twitter

The judge cautioned Kerr that “her own behaviour” in the police station had contributed to the case being brought in the first place.

Kerr showed no emotion during the reading of the verdict but gave a thumbs up to her lawyer after the judge had left. An expressionless Kerr left the court shortly afterwards before posting a statement to social media.

“Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me,” Kerr wrote.

“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury agreed.

Sam Kerr and Kristie Mews are expecting their first born this year. Picture: Instagram

Sam Kerr with fiance Kristie Mews. Picture: Instagram

“I would like thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.

“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and looking forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.”

Roger and Roxanne Kerr were seen by the star athlete’s side often during the trial, having travelled from their home in Perth to stand by their daughter’s side.

The Metropolitan Police also released a statement.

She was wearing a black shirt and pink Nike shorts as she spoke about the case. Picture: NewsWire/Philip Gostelow

Roger did not comment. Picture: NewsWire/Philip Gostelow

“Our officers perform a challenging job and are often subjected to various forms of abuse as they discharge their duty. We will continue to support all officers involved in this incident,” it read.

“The matter was fully investigated with evidence presented to the Crown Prosecution Service who made the decision to charge.

“A jury has found Kerr not guilty and we respect their verdict.”

Football Australia’s Sam Kerr statement misses one detail

Football Australia said in a statement following the trial it would remind Kerr of the “behavioural standards” expected of national team players, but looked forward to her return.

Captain Sam Kerr with the Matildas in 2023. Picture NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

However, while supporting Kerr, FA has not declared whether the star player, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, will be stripped of the Matildas captaincy.

“Football Australia invests heavily in building the behavioural standards and expectations of all involved with our game, especially for all our national team players, where leadership comes with added responsibilities on and off the field,” FA said in a prepared statement.

“Football Australia will reflect with Sam on learnings from this matter and we will continue to provide appropriate support for her moving forward.

“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.”

Steph Catley will continue to captain the team in Kerr’s absence.

She won’t play for the Matildas in the SheBelieves Cup tournament in the US.

Kerr has captained the team since before the 2019 World Cup — and was praised as being the squad’s spiritual leader at the 2023 World Cup even when she missed most of the tournament with a calf injury.

Originally published as Sam Kerr’s parents break their silence over their daughter’s racial harassment trial