Sam Kerr: Emma Hayes breaks silence on Chelsea star’s court ordeal after Matilda captain accused of allegedly racially harassing police officer

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has given her “full support” to Sam Kerr as she addresses her superstar striker’s court case on Wednesday.

On Monday night, Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Kerr will face a criminal trial in February next year after being accused of racially harassing a police officer.

The 2018 Young Australian of the Year will seek to have the charge, which arose from an alleged dispute over a taxi fare, dismissed.

It later emerged that Kerr allegedly called PC Lovell a “stupid white PC” and vomited in the taxi.

And speaking to the media ahead of Chelsea’s next match against Manchester City, Hayes said the club fully backs the 30-year-old.

“Sam has our full support, she knows that,” he said. ‘It’s a difficult time for her. Of course I can’t comment, you know.

Asked if he was aware of the criminal proceedings before Monday’s news broke, Hayes said: “I cAnd I say that I know she has pleaded not guilty and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize anything for Sam by talking about it. For that reason, I’m sure you can appreciate that that’s all I’m going to say about it.

“But she has our full support, she knows it, it’s very important that she convey it, it’s something I really value.”

The development adds to a frustrating year for Kerr, who has been sidelined by injury. Hayes said everyone at the London club supports her.

“There are difficult times, difficult times and that is my role at this football club, to make sure we look after our people,” he added. I want to make it clear that Sam will have the support of me and everyone else.’

Hayes’ comments come after Football Australia and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson revealed they did not know about the Twickenham incident.

Speaking to media in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, Gustavsson confirmed that he had not been informed of the charges before the news broke that morning.

“This morning, the first time I heard about this was this morning,” he said.

“I was informed this morning and obviously I was surprised and had some time to speak to the federation (Football Australia) about it.

‘And as you know, the federation has issued a statement. Because it is a legal process, I need to refer to that statement.

‘Unfortunately I cannot comment more than that.

“But I can make it very clear that today was the first time I heard about it.”

Gustavsson was asked about Kerr’s character and whether the alleged crime was in line with his personality.

“I can’t comment on the crime because it is a legal matter at this time,” he said.

‘The only thing I can comment on is my experience and my interactions with Sam, as a person, as a footballer.

“And I only have positive experiences from that.”

When asked if he would support Kerr during the process, Gustavsson offered a strong answer.

“I think the FA was very clear on that as well, in terms of supporting our players on and off the field,” he said.

‘With the respect and sensitivity that is necessary. And I understand why there are a lot of questions about it.

“Of course, as a human being, I will always support her.”

Kerr was charged on January 21 this year but did not inform Football Australia (FA), chief executive James Johnson said.

“I woke up this morning like everyone else to the news,” Johnson told reporters in Adelaide.

“And that’s when Football Australia learned of this disturbing development.

‘We are trying to get to the bottom of it at the moment.

‘We have our own questions we would like to know, we have to find out what really happened.

“But we also want to say that there is a process underway in the UK and that process must take its course.”