Sports Minister Anika Wells has expressed support for Australian football star Sam Kerr as the Chelsea FC player faces trial for racial harassment charges in the UK.
The high-profile trial has captured international attention after Kerr was charged with aggravated harassment following a confrontation with a police officer.
While refraining from commenting on the specifics of the ongoing trial, Ms Wells expressed sympathy for Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis, claiming the Matildas star has Australia on her side.
“The more we find out about that incident, the more we can understand why they’ve acted the way that they have,” Ms Wells said.
“I would never seek to interfere or comment on a court trial process whilst it’s in action. But I think… Sam certainly has Australia behind her.”
Sports Minister Anika Wells has publicly expressed support for Australian football star Sam Kerr as the Chelsea FC player faces trial for racial harassment charges in the UK.. Picture: Jason Edwards
Kerr, who has described herself as “white-Anglo-Indian”, was accused of calling the officer “f**king stupid and white” during an altercation on a drunken night out.
The Matildas captain admitted to making the remark but has pleaded not guilty to the charges, insisting her actions stemmed from feeling mistreated by the police.
The trial has put Kerr’s career and personal life under scrutiny.
Kerr and Mewis have claimed they were fearful for their safety after a taxi driver attempted to kidnap them and hold them “hostage”.
Sly of the Underworld has given his take on the case of Australian soccer star Sam Kerr, who has been acquitted this morning of racially abusing a London police officer.
The veteran crime reporter said it’s the “biggest UK scandal involving an Australian sports star since Bodyline”, referring to the controversial Ashes series back in 1932-33 involving Don Bradman.
“The fact that she was charged is an absolute joke,” Sly said on 3AW Breakfast.
“Sam would be a great frontperson for Uber,” Sly told Ross and Russel.
“The last time I took a taxi it was an own goal.”
Tom Elliott has called out a double standard after Australian soccer star Sam Kerr was found not guilty for racially abusing a police officer in London back in January 2023.
The verdict was announced in court earlier this morning, and the 3AW Mornings host felt obliged to address the story on his program this morning.
“It just seems to me, in the UK at least, racism is a one-way street,” he said.