Chelsea's Sam Kerr Cleared of Racial Harassment Charges After She Called A Police Man "White"

Chelsea and Australia striker Sam Kerr has been acquitted of racially aggravated harassment charges following a seven-day trial at Kingston Crown Court in London.

The charges stemmed from a January 30, 2023, incident in Twickenham, where Kerr referred to Metropolitan Police Constable Stephen Lovell as "stupid and white" during an altercation at a police station. 

The incident began after Kerr and her partner, Kristie Mewis, were transported to the Twickenham police station by a taxi driver who accused them of refusing to pay for cleaning costs after one of them became ill in the vehicle and a window was broken. Kerr contended that her remarks were not racially motivated but were instead a reaction to feeling threatened and frustrated by the situation. 

Throughout the trial, Kerr maintained that her comments were not intended to insult the officer based on his race. The jury deliberated for approximately four hours before concluding that Kerr did not intend to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, and that PC Lovell did not experience such emotions. 

Following the verdict, Kerr expressed relief and apologized for her language during the incident, acknowledging the traumatic nature of the evening. She emphasized that her remarks were not racially charged but were made in a state of fear and frustration. 

Kerr, 31, has been sidelined since December 2023 due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury but is expected to return to play for Chelsea and the Australian national team in the coming months.