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Australian soccer star Sam Kerr has testified in a London court, explaining that her controversial remarks to a police officer stemmed from feeling discriminated against due to her skin color. However, she insisted that she never intended to harass the officer.
Kerr, who plays for Chelsea in the UK's Women's Super League and captains the Matildas, is facing one charge of racially aggravated harassment of Metropolitan Police officer PC Stephen Lovell. The charge relates to an incident in January 2023 involving a dispute over a taxi ride. Kerr pleaded not guilty last year.
Taxi Dispute Leads to Police Station Confrontation
During her testimony at Kingston Crown Court, Kerr recounted her fear during the taxi ride, stating that she and her partner, fellow footballer Kristie Mewis, felt they were being held "against our will." The dispute arose after the taxi driver refused to let them exit the vehicle, ultimately taking them to the police station on the advice of authorities.
Video footage from a police body camera captured the tense interaction between Kerr and officers. In the footage, Kerr is heard calling PC Lovell "stupid and white." When asked in court about her choice of words, she admitted she "expressed herself poorly" but argued that she was attempting to highlight a perceived bias in how she was treated.
"I felt like they were treating me differently, not believing me, and assuming I had done something wrong," she explained. "I believe they treated me differently because of my skin color."
Court Examines Kerr’s Actions and Intoxication
During cross-examination, prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC pressed Kerr about her level of intoxication that night. Kerr admitted she was drunk but refuted the suggestion that her perception of events was distorted.
"Do you still believe the taxi driver was kidnapping you?" Emlyn Jones asked.
"Yes," Kerr responded firmly.
The prosecutor argued that newly presented evidence—showing that police had advised the driver to take her to the station—should have changed her perspective on the incident. However, Kerr remained adamant that she and Mewis were terrified at the time.
Accusations of Hostility and ‘White Privilege’ Remarks
The court also reviewed a phone call Kerr made to the police, which was disconnected. The jury heard that officers attempted to call her back, but she did not respond. Additionally, footage captured Kerr accusing PC Lovell of not understanding his "white privilege," a remark she defended as a response to what she perceived as his dismissive attitude.
"He had no idea about the privilege he had in that moment or in life," Kerr stated. "His comments made light of our fear."
Kerr also recounted past experiences of racial discrimination, including being unfairly targeted by teachers in school and followed by security guards in shopping centers. She identified herself in court as "white-Anglo-Indian."
Football Australia and Public Reaction
As the trial unfolds, Football Australia has refrained from making immediate decisions regarding Kerr’s role as Matildas captain, awaiting the trial’s conclusion. Meanwhile, former Matildas greats have publicly supported her, emphasizing her contributions to the sport and her character.
"She’s an exceptional human being," said former Matildas co-captain Kate Gill. "She acknowledges if she’s done something wrong, but we should support her."
Fellow football legend Joey Peters echoed the sentiment, asserting that Kerr should retain the captaincy upon her return from injury. "She’s been a game-changer. We should protect and back her," Peters stated.
Trial Continues
Kerr’s cross-examination is set to resume, with prosecutors continuing to challenge her recollection of events. The outcome of the trial could have implications for her future in professional football and her leadership role in the Australian national team.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @samanthakerr20, Unsplash / Robert Bye
