Prosecutors in the trial of Australian football star Sam Kerr have raised a provocative point, asking the jury to consider how the situation would have differed if she had called a police officer “stupid and black” instead of “stupid and white.” Kerr, a 31-year-old forward for the Matildas, is charged with causing racially aggravated harassment during an incident in southwest London in January 2023. She is accused of directing racial language at PC Stephen Lovell, although she denies the charges.
During his closing argument, Bill Emlyn Jones, the prosecutor, emphasized that despite positive testimonies from Kerr’s teammates, the words “fucking stupid and white” had still been uttered. He argued that while her defense claimed she was drunk, angry, and lashing out in the heat of the moment, the language was still racially charged. Emlyn Jones argued that whether or not Kerr is considered a “card-carrying racist,” her actions in that moment violated the law, which prohibits any racial insult, regardless of the target’s race.
Emlyn Jones posed a rhetorical question to the jury: if the officer had been black instead of white, would it make a difference? He pointed out that calling someone “white” is not as loaded as calling someone “black,” suggesting that the racial element of the insult would have been more significant if directed at a black person. The prosecutor stressed that the law does not differentiate between races when it comes to racist language, and the key issue was whether the language used in this instance amounted to harassment, alarm, or distress.
The defense, however, has sought to focus on Kerr’s character and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Several of Kerr’s former and current teammates from Chelsea FC, including Millie Bright, Carly Telford, and former manager Emma Hayes, provided statements attesting to her warm, generous, and considerate nature. Telford described Kerr as someone who was not only approachable but also kindhearted, recalling how she went out of her way to check on Telford after an injury. Bright added that Kerr was an “introverted extrovert,” a person who, while outgoing on the pitch, was more reserved off it.
Telford also emphasized Kerr’s generosity, noting how she often helped cover expenses for younger players during team outings, ensuring that they could participate without financial concerns. Similarly, Bright described Kerr as someone who brought people together, had a huge heart, and did anything for others. Despite facing immense public attention and pressure, Kerr’s teammates praised her ability to maintain a positive atmosphere and connect with those around her.
Emma Hayes, who had coached Kerr at Chelsea and now works with the US national team, described Kerr as one of the warmest and kindest players she had ever worked with. She praised Kerr’s calm demeanor and her ability to manage stress privately, without burdening others with her personal struggles.
Erin Cuthbert, another teammate from Chelsea, highlighted Kerr’s unwavering support for charity work, her pivotal role in supporting LGBT causes, and her ability to see the best in everyone. Cuthbert also emphasized that Kerr’s kindness extended beyond the football field, as she used her platform to encourage acceptance for all.
Kerr’s mother, Roxanne, also provided a statement, calling her daughter the most humble and loving person she knew, someone who always fought for what was right. The defense hopes that these personal character testimonies will help to show that the incident in question does not reflect Kerr’s true nature.
The defense will give its closing argument on Monday, but it is clear that the case has sparked debate on issues of race, language, and the influence of alcohol in shaping behavior.
