Sam Kerr, the 31-year-old Australian football star, is facing trial for allegedly causing racially aggravated harassment to a police officer during an incident in southwest London in January 2023. She denies the charges.
During closing arguments, the prosecution urged the jury to consider how the situation would be perceived if Kerr had used different words. The prosecutor questioned whether it would be seen differently had she called the officer “stupid and black” instead of “stupid and white.” He acknowledged that calling a white man “white” might not carry the same weight as calling a black man “black” but emphasized that the law does not differentiate between races when it comes to racial insults.
The prosecution described Kerr as “drunk and angry” on the night of the incident, arguing that her state of mind did not change the fact that she used an insult referencing race. He also downplayed the significance of testimony from Kerr’s former teammates, who had spoken highly of her character. While he accepted that she may be well-liked and respected, he insisted that it did not alter the facts of the case.
The case revolves around an interaction between Kerr and a police officer after she claimed she had been “held hostage” by a taxi driver. The officer allegedly dismissed her concerns, which reportedly led to Kerr lashing out in frustration.
Throughout the trial, Kerr has received strong support from current and former teammates, as well as her former club manager. Multiple witnesses provided statements vouching for her character, describing her as kind, generous, and supportive both on and off the pitch.
A former Chelsea teammate, who played alongside Kerr for several years, recalled how they first met in 2012 after a match in Australia. She recounted an incident where she accidentally punched Kerr while attempting to clear a ball, and Kerr later checked on her well-being despite being the one hurt in the collision. This moment, she said, demonstrated Kerr’s kindness and sportsmanship.
Other teammates spoke about her impact in the dressing room and her generosity. One former teammate noted that Kerr would often pay for younger players on nights out to ensure they could be included in team celebrations. Another described Kerr as an “introverted extrovert” who is confident and expressive on the pitch but reserved in her personal life.
A current Chelsea defender praised Kerr as someone who “connects with everyone and puts a smile on people’s faces,” calling her “a truly special human.” She highlighted Kerr’s ability to create a positive team environment and support her teammates, even while dealing with personal challenges.
Kerr’s former Chelsea manager, now coaching the U.S. national team, also spoke highly of her character, describing her as “one of the warmest, kindest, and most considerate players” she had ever worked with. She emphasized Kerr’s ability to handle the pressures of professional football while remaining level-headed and compassionate.
A Scottish teammate echoed these sentiments, noting that Kerr “has a knack for seeing the best in everyone” and that the two had become close friends, often sharing moments of laughter. She also pointed out Kerr’s commitment to charity work and her role as a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate, using her platform to promote inclusivity.
Kerr’s mother provided a heartfelt statement, calling her daughter “the most humble, honest, and loving person” she knows. She praised Kerr’s willingness to stand up for what she believes is right and expressed her pride in the woman she has become.
The defense is set to deliver its closing argument on Monday, as the jury prepares to determine whether Kerr’s words on the night in question meet the legal threshold for racially aggravated harassment.
