Sam Kerr Charged With Racially Aggravated Harassment Of Police ...

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: Sam Kerr of the Matildas heads over to fans after winning the ... [+] Cup of Nations match between the Australia Matildas and Jamaica at McDonald Jones Stadium on February 22, 2023 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Australia women’s captain and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr will face trial in the United Kingdom accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in London in 2023.

The Guardian newspaper reported Kerr appeared in court on Monday accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to an officer who was responding to a complaint over a taxi fare in Twickenham, south-west London, on 30 January 2023.

The incident took place a day after Kerr scored a hat-trick for Chelsea against Liverpool in the FA Cup at the London club’s home ground, Kingsmeadow.

Kerr, who appeared at Kingston crown court via video link, spoke only to confirm her name and to enter a not-guilty plea to the charge, the Daily Mail reported.

"Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a statement, according to British media.

"She is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on 1 February.

"The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham."

Kerr is scheduled to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on February 1, 2025, with two police officers scheduled to give evidence. The trial is due to last four days.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Sam Kerr of Australia poses for a photo with fans after the ... [+] International Women's Friendly match between the Australia Matildas and Canada at Suncorp Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Football Australia, the country’s football governing body, said it was aware of the legal proceedings involving Kerr, who is Australia’s record goal-scorer with 69 goals in 128 appearances.

“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time,” the governing body said.

James Johnson, Football Australia’s CEO, said the governing body learnt about the charges only on Tuesday morning.

"We woke up to this this morning," Johnson told reporters in Adelaide, according to Reuters.

"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."

Johnson said Football Australia were seeking more information about the incident.

"I haven't spoken to Sam other than a text message just to check in on her wellbeing at the moment because she is an employee of ours and also a player," he added.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Sam Kerr of Chelsea celebrates after scoring her team's first goal ... [+] during the FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Kerr has been sidelined since January for Chelsea after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

The striker has won four Women’s Super League titles with the London club, as well as three FA Cups, two Women's League Cups and the Women's Community Shield.

Kerr is the most popular player of the Matildas and was part of the national team reach the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

She has also won the Golden Boot twice and was runner-up to Spain’s Aitana Bonmati at the Ballon d’Or awards last year.