Sam Kerr racial abuse saga: Socceroos coach Graham Arnold weighs in on star’s ‘tough time’

As further details emerge about Matildas captain Sam Kerr’s ongoing court case with UK police, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has had his say.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 16: Sam Kerr of Australia reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has urged everyone to send their thoughts to Matildas captain Sam Kerr as she deals with the fallout of an ongoing court case after allegedly verbally abusing a UK police officer.

It follows the latest news that Kerr spent time in a “custody suite” at the police station following the incident on January 30, 2023.

It is alleged the 30-year-old striker, who plays for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, had been involved with an incident with a taxi driver over a fare, before allegedly calling a police officer, who arrived at the scene a “stupid white bastard”.

Kerr has denied intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to the police constable under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Graham Arnold only has concerns for Sam Kerr herself. Picture: Getty

Arnold, speaking at the team announcement for the Socceroos upcoming World Cup qualifiers, said he would rather not go into the issue. Instead throwing his support behind Kerr.

“My main concern, I don’t want to go into any of this, is for Sam herself,” Arnold said.

“The poor kid has been through a really tough year with an injury at the World Cup, with her ACL injury, let’s give her some thoughts on herself, it’s a tough time that she would be going through, it will be really hard on her.

“As I said my thoughts are just with her.”

Last week, when the news broke Football Australia CEO James Johnson said it was the first the organisation had heard about the incident or pending legal matters.

Johnson said Football Australia would seek to learn all the facts.

When asked for further comment today or to clarify if Football Australia were aware Kerr had spent time in police custody they opted not to comment.

“We won’t be providing any further comment at this time. It is important to respect the legal process and Sam’s right to fair and just proceedings,” a statement read.

“We remain in touch with Sam and her team, and Football Australia continues to support Sam throughout this process.”

Kerr’s defence will aim to have the case struck out of the court on the grounds of abuse of process on April 26.

Originally published as Sam Kerr racial abuse saga: Socceroos coach Graham Arnold weighs in on star’s ‘tough time’