Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has caught Football Australia off guard, with the governing body only learning overnight that their captain will face a criminal trial next year.
Kerr appeared in Kingston Crown Court via video link on Monday to enter a not guilty plea to a charge of alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.
The charge dates back to an incident on January 30 last year, where it is alleged Kerr used insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to a Met Police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare.
Kerr now has to attend a four-day trial, which will take place in February next year.
The news has rocked Australian football, as the country’s FA were unaware that Kerr was due in court on Monday.
Football Australia were holding press conferences overnight to announce two Olympic farewell friendlies against China, but Kerr dominated the agenda.
The striker, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, is likely to come under scrutiny in her role as captain, although no decision has been made yet.
“I woke up this morning like everyone else did to the news,” said Football Australia chief executive James Johnson.
“We are trying to get to the bottom of it [and] have our own questions to find out what actually happened. [Sam] has pleaded not guilty, and I think we need to remember and respect that.”
