Football Australia has pledged to “reflect” with Sam Kerr “on learnings” from her London court case, which ended on Wednesday morning with a verdict of not guilty relating to a charge of racially aggravated harassment.
But the governing body stopped short of endorsing her to return as the team’s captain, as the nation remains divided over whether she should continue in the role.
Football Australia addressed Kerr’s behaviour with a statement on Wednesday, recognising the “significant pressures that this matter has brought to Sam, Kristie, her family, and everyone involved, including the impact it’s had on the game”.
On a night out with partner Kristie Mewis in 2023, Kerr called a police officer “fucking stupid and white” and was charged.
Kerr issued an apology at the conclusion of the six-day trial, after the jury at Kingston crown court in London returned a not guilty verdict following approximately four hours of deliberations.
“Football Australia invests heavily in building the behavioural standards and expectations of all involved with our game, especially for all our national team players, where leadership comes with added responsibilities on and off the field,” a spokesperson said.
“Football Australia will reflect with Sam on learnings from this matter and we will continue to provide appropriate support for her moving forward.”
The Chelsea striker has been out of action for a year due to a knee injury. Fullback Steph Catley has stood in as Matildas’ captain and will wear the armband in the SheBelieves Cup matches against Japan, the US and Colombia in matches later this month.
Kate Gill, the former players’ union chief executive who played 86 times for Australia, said the matter should never have reached the courts.
“The trial was a waste of police and public resources. A matter that should have been resolved the night it happened,” she said. “I hope both Sam and Kristie can move forward and focus on the exciting journey of becoming parents.”
The evidence, including body-cam footage of a drunken Kerr arguing with police, thrust Kerr’s reputation into the spotlight.
Gill said Kerr’s position as captain “should not be called into question”.
“As a person who takes responsibility for her actions and stands up for what’s right, Sam is more than fit to continue as the Matildas captain,” she said.
Former Socceroo Bruce Djite has been a prominent voice calling for Kerr to hand back the captaincy. On Wednesday he said it was great to see the Australian has been found not guilty although he “would not be surprised” if Catley was to retain the job anyway.
“Football Australia is in a challenging position because the public want immediate answers,” he said. “They’ll have to address the captaincy but it is understandable that this is done when Sam Kerr is back in the Matildas squad. The challenge with any delays will be the potential ongoing brand damage until it is resolved.”
Nike confirmed on Wednesday their long-standing relationship with the striker remains intact.
Beau Busch, chief executive of Professional Footballers Australia, expressed support for Kerr.
“We welcome the verdict and continue to support Sam as she aims to return to football for both club and country in the coming months,” he said.
“Sam will continue to be an inspiration to many young footballers, and play an important ongoing role with the Matildas, especially with the Women’s Asian Cup on home soil next year.”
Kerr was quick to issue a statement after the trial, apologising for “expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening”. Her legal team did not pursue costs.
Chelsea have not responded to requests for comment.
The Australian is expected to return to the pitch for Chelsea within a month.
Article by:Source: Jack Snape
