Sam Kerr case polarises as politicians, former stars weigh in on ...

Sam Kerr’s standing in the national consciousness is being reflected by the number and types of people responding publicly to her alleged slur in London.

Kerr, 30, is set to face a trial in London next year after pleading not guilty for allegedly calling a police officer a “stupid white bastard” in a dispute over a taxi fare.

A range of figures have voiced their thoughts on the allegation, from other high-profile sports people to politicians and countless members of the public.

Watch selected NRL & AFL games, along with every F1 race live in 4K on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial today

NSW premier Chris Minns was asked on Thursday if Kerr’s alleged comment should be considered racist.

“No,” he replied, in a succinct response that seems to reflect the opinion of most people.

NSW health minister Ryan Park said he had “been called a lot worse”, a sentiment echoed by former Socceroo Robbie Slater.

Chris Minns and Sam Kerr. Photos: News Corp/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“Without trivialising what she might have said, it sounds like something silly might have happened, it’s a bizarre thing,” Slater told Sky News Australia on Thursday.

“I’ve been called a lot worse I can tell you.

“I think Sam might have had a few too many on one evening and probably said something stupid, but a four-day trial – I mean you’d walk into Downing Street Court and I think you’d be out within the hour for something like this.

“You can’t trivialise racism, but like I said, I’ve been called a lot worse.”

Robbie Slater has expressed his thoughts on the Kerr situation. Photo: Adam Yip/ Manly DailySource: News Corp Australia

Minns’ response didn’t sit well with everybody, however, including One Nation MP Tania Mihailuk, who previously served alongside the premier in the Labor Party.

“The premier has just endorsed racism. He also exposed himself as a total hypocrite, pandering to populism at the expense of sound judgement,” Mihailuk said in comments reported by News Corp.

She added her belief Minns “would be leading the mob” if the comments were reversed.

“How can a premier endorse the use of such inappropriate language – what message does this send to our kids from the leader of our state?” she said.

“If the comments were reversed there would be a riot, and the Premier would be leading the mob.”

There is a possibility the matter will not proceed to trial.

A hearing is scheduled for April 26 where it is believed Kerr’s legal team will apply to have the case dismissed on grounds of abuse of process.

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson called the allegation “unsettling” and “very serious”, but many have since come out in defence of the star striker.

Despite early reports that her $3 million sponsorship empire could crumble following this incident, many have taken to social media to share their support for Kerr calling her a “national hero” and “absolute legend”.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes on Thursday also spoke out in support of Kerr.

“Sam has our full support. She knows that. It’s a difficult time for her,” Hayes said.

Sam Kerr pictured celebrating Mackenzie Arnold’s birthday just hours after a London court appearance.Source: Supplied

“Of course I can’t comment, you know that. I can say I know she’s pleaded not guilty and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardise anything for Sam by speaking about it.

“For that reason, I’m sure you can appreciate that’s all I’m going to say on the matter, but she has our full support, she knows that, it’s really important I get that across. It’s something I really value.”

The alleged incident occurred before last year’s World Cup, which was held in Australia and New Zealand, but was not publicly disclosed until now.

On Monday, judge Judith Elaine Coello said she understood that Kerr’s defence would be that she did not intend to cause alarm, harassment or distress to the police officer and that her behaviour was not racially motivated.

The lengthy delay in charging Kerr was reportedly due to Crown Prosecution Service lawyers deciding what offence to prosecute her for.