Sam Kerr set to deny part of alleged 'white bastard' UK police officer ...
Sam Kerr is set to deny allegations she ever called a UK police officer a “white bastard” after Australian politicians defended the sporting icon.
Details emerged this week that Kerr, who is of English and Indian descent, was due to face a criminal trial following an altercation with one of two UK police officers over a taxi fare, in Twickenham, south-west of London on January 30, 2023.
Kerr allegedly racially harassed the officer — who has been identified only as PC Lovell by British authorities — by calling them a “stupid white bastard” but Kerr’s legal team has since thrown a spanner in the works.
The Matildas star is due to hand down a statement, through her UK-based lawyers, challenging information initially published in British tabloid The Sun that asserted police alleged Kerr had called the officer a “stupid white bastard”, The Australian reported.
Instead, Kerr is set to argue she called the police officer a “stupid white cop”.
WA Premier Roger Cook told media on Thursday that he didn’t believe the alleged slur was racist — despite the use of the term “white”.
“She’s done so much for Western Australian sport and so much for women and girls’ sports,” Mr Cook said.
It follows NSW Premier Chris Minns’ comments on Thursday, when he was asked the same question at a Sydney press conference, to which he responded with a simple “No.”
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park also agreed, adding: “I’ve been called a lot worse, so no.”
The star striker, who plays for Chelsea FC, is set to face a criminal trial in February 2025 after police charged the her with using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress over the alleged remark.
The 30-year-old’s lawyers are expected to attempt to have the charges dismissed next month, well ahead of any trial.
Multiple UK media outlets have reported they will argue an abuse of process at a pre-trial hearing on April 26 after it took police 13 months to charge Kerr via post.
Among stunned football fans worldwide were Football Australia boss James Johnson and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson, who both admitted the allegations had blindsided them.
An official statement released by Football Australia said the organisation would monitor the situation.
“Football Australia is aware of the legal proceedings involving Sam Kerr in the United Kingdom,” it said.
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. Our focus remains on supporting all our players, both on and off the field. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as appropriate.”
