Stunned Matildas coach reveals superstar player Sam Kerr kept his criminal case a secret from the team and Football Australia as he breaks his silence on the scandal
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has revealed Sam Kerr did not tell him she will face criminal charges in England because the superstar striker had kept her racial harassment accusation and court appearance secret.
Kerr, Australia’s highest-profile sportswoman, faced a London court on Monday charged with racially aggravated harassment by a police officer.
The 30-year-old pleaded not guilty and faces a four-day criminal trial in February.
Chelsea and Matildas striker Sam Kerr has been charged with racial harassment by a London police officer following an alleged incident on January 30 last year
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said Kerr had kept the matter a secret from him and Football Australia since the alleged incident last January
The Chelsea star is accused of using abusive, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to PC Lovell during an alleged incident in Twickenham, south-west London, on January 30 last year.
Speaking to media in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, Gustavsson confirmed he had not been told of the allegations until the news broke that morning.
“This morning, the first time I heard about it was this morning,” he said.
‘I was informed this morning and was obviously surprised and had some time to speak to the federation (Football Australia) about it.
‘And as you know, the federation has come out with a statement. Because it is a legal process, I have to refer to that statement.
‘Unfortunately, I cannot comment more than that.
‘But I can make it very clear that today was the very first time I ever heard of it.’
Gustavsson was asked about Kerr’s character and whether the alleged offense was consistent with her personality.
Kerr was charged on January 21 this year but did not disclose it, according to Gustavsson and Football Australia boss James Johnson
“I cannot comment on the offense because it is a legal matter at this stage,” he said.
‘The only thing I can comment (on) is my experience and interactions with Sam, as a person, as a footballer.
‘And I only have positive experiences from that.’
When asked if he would support Kerr through the case, Gustavsson offered a straightforward answer.
“I think the FA were very clear about that as well, in terms of supporting our players on and off the pitch,” he said.
‘With the respect and the sensitivity that is. And I understand why there are many questions about it.
‘Of course, as a human being, I will always support.
Football Australia (FA) chief executive James Johnson (pictured) said the body was also kept in the dark over Sam Kerr’s allegations
Kerr was charged on January 21 this year but did not inform Football Australia (FA), chief executive James Johnson said.
“I woke up this morning like everyone else did to the news,” Johnson told reporters in Adelaide.
‘And that’s when Football Australia found out about this disturbing event.
‘We are trying to get to the bottom of it at the moment.
‘We have our own questions that we want to know, we need to find out what actually happened.
“But we would also say that there is a process that is going on in the UK and that process needs to run its course.”
The charge against Kerr comes after she suffered a serious knee injury that almost ruled her out of action at the Paris Olympics
The Matildas captain could face an uncertain future at his club Chelsea, with the club yet to comment on the situation
Appearing at Kingston Crown Court via video link, Kerr spoke only to confirm his identity and to enter a plea of not guilty.
Harassment convictions in the UK can include a sentence of up to two years in prison when the offense is racially or religiously aggravated.
The UK Metropolitan Police confirmed: ‘Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge on 21 January with a racially aggravated offense under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.
“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who responded to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”
In court, Judge Judith Elaine Coello was reported to have told Kerr’s barrister, Grace Forbes: ‘I understand the defense is that she did not intend to cause alarm, harassment or distress to the officer, (her behaviour) did not amount to that. to it, and it was not racially aggravated.’
Kerr is currently recovering from reconstructive knee surgery which is expected to sideline her from the Matildas’ campaign at this year’s Paris Olympics.