- Fans wonder why Sam Kerr incident wasn’t publicly known sooner
- Journalist Tracey Holmes says the incident has raised many questions
- Kerr charged with racially aggravated harassment of police officer
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Football fans have been left baffled by the timeline of Sam Kerr’s alleged racial harassment of a police officer, with many wondering why the public didn’t find out sooner.
On Tuesday morning, Daily Mail exclusively revealed that the Matildas captain will face trial in February next year over the alleged incident.
The Chelsea striker appeared in court accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words which caused alarm or distress to the officer in Twickenham, south-west London, on January 30 last year.
The 30-year-old woman, who was wearing a white T-shirt under a black suit jacket when she appeared at Kingston Crown Court via video link, spoke only to confirm her identity and plead not guilty to the charge.
She was told she was required to attend a four-day trial, scheduled for next February, during which two police officers were expected to testify.
The Matildas superstar has pleaded not guilty after being charged with an alleged “racially aggravated offence” against a police officer.
Some fans are curious as to why the incident is only being made public now, more than a year after it supposedly occurred.
Some fans following the case are wondering why the incident is only coming to light now, more than a year after it supposedly occurred.
One posted on X: ‘What’s up with the delay? Were charges filed months after the incident?
Another wrote: ‘She was charged in 2023 but faces trial in 2025? What is the reason for the long wait?
Journalist Tracey Holmes also posted about it, writing: ‘Many questions about the criminal charge against #Matildas captain #SamKerr for alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer; in the NRL they would have already retired it.
‘This happened in January 2023, who knew what and when?’
A UK-based fan responded to Holmes’ question and offered an explanation.
“In the UK we have this concept called ‘innocent until proven guilty’,” the fan said.
Holmes replied: ‘Yes. Accept. My questions do not apply to the law where everyone should be treated equally, but to other areas where certain people are treated differently than others.
Football Australia has promised to support the star as he waits for his four-day criminal trial to begin in February 2025.
‘I’m sure you’ve noticed how the media deals with accusations of racism from men who play sports? Have you noticed that football also promotes slogans against racism a lot? These are my questions.’
Football Australia issued a statement on Tuesday morning saying it will “monitor” the situation.
“Football Australia is aware of the legal proceedings involving Sam Kerr in the United Kingdom,” a statement read.
‘As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. Our focus remains on supporting all of our players, both on and off the field. “We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as appropriate.”
At the time of publishing this article, Chelsea has not commented on the incident, but the team has a history of condemning racial abuse.
“The club strongly opposes any form of abuse and discriminatory behaviour,” the club said in a 2023 statement after the abuse was directed at Kerr’s teammate Lauren James.
‘Discrimination has no place at Chelsea Football Club or in any of our communities. “We will take action against any individual we can identify.”