Matildas coach blames ‘security’ for player ban
The coach of the Matildas said he had no idea about Sam Kerr’s court case as he blamed Wales’ “security” for not making any Aussie player available to talk to the media. SEE THE VIDEO
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has declared Sam Kerr is an “amazing role model” despite her calling a British police officer “f****** stupid and white” and he bizarrely blamed “security” reasons for no players being available for post-match interviews.
Speaking in Cardiff after the Matildas defeated Wales 2-1 at an international friendly on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) that saw Kerr’s highly-anticipated return to the international arena, Montemurro was quizzed about whether the 32-year-old should return as captain after voicing her leadership aspirations.
He gave her a ringing endorsement: “Sam’s important for us, Australian football and for the group.
“I think as a footballer she’s an amazing role model”.
The Chelsea striker’s off-field indiscretions after a drunken night out in 2023 led to her arrest – she vomited in a taxi and hurled abuse at a British police officer and was charged with racially aggravated harassment but was found not guilty.
A window was also kicked out of the cab during the late-night ride home with partner Kristie Mewis.
Montemurro said he “didn’t follow” the case at all despite just 24 hours earlier describing Kerr as “a friend”.
He said had little idea about the legal matter involving the Chelsea striker that dominated the headlines in Australia during the two-week trial in February.
“I’m going to be honest with you, I didn’t follow it, I really, really didn’t follow it, I kept right away from it,” he said.
“We are all guilty of doing some things that are not right, ok that’s fine but as far as I’m concerned Sam has our backing as a footballer, as a person, as a real advocate for the game”.
Kerr made a promising return to the international stage in chilly conditions in front of a crowd of 11,074 people at Cardiff City Stadium including a few hundred Matildas’ supporters.
Montemurro was also questioned about why no players were made available to answer questions at the post-match press conference: “I think it’s a matter of security”.
When Football Australia shared Montemurro’s post-match interview to the media his comments about Kerr and “security” issues were edited out and not distributed.
Video also later emerged of Kerr doing an interview with the BBC post match.
Football Australia spokeswoman Brooke Boger agreed after Montemurro said there were “security” concerns around players speaking to the media and she said: “It came from the Welsh FA (Football Association) to be honest … they just wanted Joe post-match here”.
Montemurro then added: “We work under a lot of regulations by Welsh football and also UEFA in terms of security”.
Other media present at the press conference were baffled that no Matildas’ players were made available.
Kerr’s return comes after her recovery from an ACL injury that kept her sidelined for 20 months, while teammate Mary Fowler, also battling the same injury, was on the sidelines at Saturday’s clash.
When a request was made to Football Australia to interview Fowler it was also declined.
“Mary Fowler isn’t officially in camp so any requests for her would need to go to her club or agent,” Boger said.
This is despite Fowler posting numerous photos on her Instagram account wearing her Matildas’ gear and training alongside her teammates.
News Corp Australia asked a Football Association of Wales spokesman if there were any security issues relating to Matildas’ players being made available post match and he said there were not.
On Friday – the day before the clash with Wales – Football Australia implemented a blanket ban on the media asking Kerr any questions about the off-field scandal after a drunken night out in London in 2023.
The Matildas will play England’s Lionesses at Pride Park Stadium in Derby in the East Midlands on Wednesday at 6am AEDT.
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