Chelsea’s Sam Kerr to face trial next year over alleged racially aggravated

Chelsea and Australia striker Sam Kerr will appear in court next year for the alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.

The 30-year-old was charged with the offence on January 21 under Section 4A of the Public Order Act.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said that the charge “relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on January 30, 2023 in Twickenham”.

Kerr is due to appear at a trial at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, south-west London, on February 1, 2025.

Kerr is sidelined for the remainder of the 2023-24 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a warm weather training camp in Morocco in January. The Australia captain underwent successful surgery shortly after sustaining the injury.

The Athletic reported in January that Kerr has agreed in principle to extend her contract at Chelsea. Her existing deal is due to expire in the summer.

Kerr joined Chelsea in 2019 after departing from Chicago Red Stars, and renewed her contract in November 2021. During her time with the Women’s Super League side, she has scored 99 goals in 128 matches, contributing to four WSL titles, three FA Cups, and two League Cups.

She represented Australia at last summer’s Women’s World Cup, having initially been sidelined during the group stage due to a calf injury. However, she made a comeback for the knockout stage, aiding the joint-hosts as they advanced to the semi-finals, only to be defeated by eventual runners-up England.

The Athletic has contacted Chelsea for comment.

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