Sam Kerr found not guilty of racially abusing UK police officer

London: Australian soccer star Samantha Kerr has been found not guilty of racially abusing a UK police officer by a British jury in a unanimous verdict.

Kerr, the 31-year-old Matildas captain and star striker with English club Chelsea, had denied a charge of racially aggravated harassment, but admitted she repeatedly called Constable Stephen Lovell “f—ing stupid and white” during a drunken altercation over a taxi fare with police in January 2023.

The jury, comprising of eight men and four women, deliberated for about four hours before reaching its verdict at Kingston Crown Court. The offence carries up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of nearly $5000.

Kerr, her parents Roger and Roxanne, brother Levi and pregnant fiancée Kristie Mewis, were all present for their decision.