Australian soccer star Sam Kerr has refuted allegations of being “drunk and kicking off” in a London taxi before an altercation with police, leading to her trial for a racially aggravated public order offence. During her testimony, the Matildas captain recounted enduring racism both in Australia and the UK, describing her fear of being “kidnapped” by the cab driver alongside her partner, Kristie Mewis.
In a unique twist, the trial also revealed that Mewis is expecting a baby boy, due in May. Kerr faced intense questioning from prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones, who suggested she was excessively drunk but she denied it, insisting her recollection of events was “decently good.” She expressed feeling subtly discriminated against by the police, specifically pointing out her discomfort with PC Stephen Lovell, whom she described as “f—— stupid and white.”
Kerr recalled an unsettling incident during the taxi ride, where she felt unsafe as the driver became erratic after she became ill. After a distressing ride, she felt a mix of relief and fear upon the arrival of police, leading to her heated remarks towards Lovell. Reflecting on her actions, she conveyed embarrassment at how she responded during such a traumatic experience. Mewis is scheduled to testify shortly.