Chelsea football club’s captain, who is currently injured, is set to face court next year over allegations of racially aggravated harassment against a police officer.
Chelsea’s captain, Sam Kerr, charged for racial harassment
Sam Kerr, 30, was charged under Section 4A of the Public Order Act on January 21, following an incident involving a police officer in Twickenham on January 30, 2023. Kerr pleaded not guilty during a hearing at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court.
The trial is scheduled to take place at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court on February 3, 2025, and is expected to last between four and five days.
Kerr extends Chelsea contract despite season-ending injury
Kerr, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a warm-weather training camp in Morocco in January, will miss the remainder of the 2023–24 season. She underwent successful surgery after the injury. Despite her absence, Kerr has reportedly agreed to extend her contract with Chelsea, which is set to expire in the summer.
Since joining Chelsea in 2019, Kerr has been a prolific scorer, tallying 99 goals in 128 matches and helping the team secure four WSL titles, three FA Cups, and two League Cups.
She also represented Australia in last summer’s Women’s World Cup, playing a crucial role in the team’s journey to the semi-finals.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said on Tuesday, when asked whether Kerr had informed them of the charge, “We woke up to this this morning.
“Of course, it’s a very serious allegation. It regards racism and there’s no place for racism in our sport.
“At the same time Sam has rights, natural justice rights, procedural rights that she’s got to work her way through and we’re respectful of that.”
National team coach Tony Gustavsson said he had yet to speak to Kerr and refused to comment on her position as captain of the team.
“The only thing I can comment on is my experience and interaction with Sam as a person, as a footballer, and I have only positive experiences,” he said, as reported by the athletic.
