Sam Kerr said she is “focused on getting back on to the pitch” after being found not guilty of one charge of racially aggravated harassment in a UK court on February 11.
The jury deliberated for just over four hours following the six-day trial before delivering their verdict, after the soccer star called a police officer “f–king stupid and white” in January 2023.
“I can finally put this challenging period behind me,” the 31-year-old said in a statement via Instagram. “While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that
I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed.”
“I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, my friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day,” she continued. “I am fully focused on getting back on the pitch and look forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.
The verdict brings an end to a two-year ordeal. After a night out in London with partner Kristie Mewis, the pair kicked the back window out of a taxi after refusing to pay for clean-up costs when Kerr vomited. The driver took them to Twickenham Police Station, where Kerr told the accusing officer they feared they were being “held hostage” in the taxi.
The striker will continue to play for Australia. “We look forward to Sam’s return … and her continued contributions to both her club and the Matildas on the world stage,” Football Australia said in a statement.
The six-day trial also doubled as an unusual gender reveal, after Kerr shared that her fiancée Mewis was expecting a baby boy while on stand.
“We are expecting our first baby boy,” Kerr told the court, revealing the couple were planning to get married in December.
The pair first announced that Mewis, who plays for West Ham, was expecting a baby in November 2024.
