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Matildas star Sam Kerr has been caught on video muttering the words “oi ya” to a group of journalists after learning he will go on trial next month for racially abusing a police officer.
The 31-year-old appeared at Kingston Crown Court in London on Tuesday, hoping to have the charge dismissed, but promised to stand trial from February 3.
The Chelsea forward is alleged to have insulted, threatened or caused alarm or distress at a police office while returning home in a taxi after a night out with her fiancée Kristie Mewis on January 30, 2023.
Kerr allegedly labeled PC Stephen Lovell a “stupid white bastard” after speaking to her over a taxi fare dispute.
Kerr's legal representatives denied she had used the word “bastard,” and instead allegedly called the officer a “stupid white cop.”
Outside court, the Matildas star was heard using the phrase as she tried to push her way through a group of journalists as she headed towards a waiting vehicle.
Chelsea and Matildas star Sam Kerr (left) faced Kingston Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing.
Kerr (pictured right with fiancee Kristie Mewis) has been charged with alleged racially aggravated harassment.
Kerr's lawyer, Grace Forbes, previously requested that CCTV footage from outside Twickenham Police Station and inside its custody room be tendered into evidence.
Kerr was led into the building as she sought to restart her attempt to dismiss the case.
PC Lovell is understood to have been called to the scene at Twickenham over a taxi fare dispute after the football superstar spent a night celebrating an FA Cup victory over Liverpool, where he scored a hat-trick.
Kerr also reportedly vomited in the taxi and at that time he was arrested and questioned.
Her legal team has argued that Kerr was subjected to an abuse of process after it took a year for her to be charged.
The trial will begin on February 3 and last several days, but Kerr, who is in the midst of a long recovery after tearing her ACL in January 2024, is not required to attend.
On the pitch, Kerr, who is expecting his first child with his fiancée Mewis, is aiming to return to Chelsea in March at the earliest, Blues coach Sonia Bompastor has revealed.
Kerr (left) has spent some time on the sidelines after tearing his ACL in January last year.
The superstar forward is also expecting a baby with her partner, she announced the news last year.
“We are looking to have her back with us (in) February (or) March, not before,” Bopastor told the media last month. “She is still in her individual rehabilitation process.
“It will take him at least two or three more months to be fit enough to be with the team.”