Sam Kerr’s lawyers seek to have racial abuse charge thrown out

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr’s legal team will attempt to have her criminal charge for racially aggravated harassment thrown out of court in an April hearing in London.

Kerr, 30, pleaded not guilty when appearing via video link at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court on Monday. According to court documents shared with ESPN, a further hearing will take place on April 26, when “the defence will be arguing abuse of process.”

She was charged with causing a police officer harassment, alarm or distress during an incident in Twickenham in southwest London on Jan. 30, 2023, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Should Kerr’s legal team be unsuccessful in the April hearing, then a trial is expected to take place next February — with two police officers scheduled to give evidence — and is due to last four days.

Kerr is one of Australia’s most recognisable figures. She is the country’s all-time leading scorer in international football, with 69 goals from 128 games. She led the Matildas to the semifinals of last summer’s Women’s World Cup.

At club level, Kerr has played a similarly starring role, helping Chelsea win the Women’s Super League title in each of her four seasons at the club so far.

She has also played club football in Australia and the United States.

Kerr is sidelined after suffering an ACL injury during a warm-weather training camp with the Chelsea women’s team in Morocco in January.