SAM Kerr’s manager has backed her player in the football star’s court case for “racist abuse of police officer”.
Emma Hayes has given the Australian her “full support” on Wednesday after Kerr allegedly called an officer a “a stupid white b*****d”.
The 30-year-old will face a trial after cops were called to a dispute over a taxi fare following a night out.
Australia women’s captain and Chelsea striker Kerr is said to have been sick in the cab after a night out.
Speaking to media ahead of the top of the table clash with Manchester City, Hayes backed her player.
She said: “Sam has our full support, she knows that.
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“It’s a difficult time for her. Of course I can’t comment, you know that.”
Hayes was asked whether she knew about the criminal proceedings before Monday’s news broke.
The coach said: “I can say that I know she’s pleaded not guilty and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardise anything for Sam by speaking about it.
“For that reason, I’m sure you can appreciate that’s all I’m going to say on the matter.
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“But she has our full support, she knows that, it’s really important I get that across, it’s something I really really value.
“There’s difficult moments, tough times and that’s what my role is at this football club, to make sure I look after our people.
“I want to make it clear that Sam will be supported by me and everybody else.”
Kerr is alleged to have unleashed a racist verbal volley when cops arrived to deal with the dispute in Twickenham, South West London, on January 30 last year.
She has been charged with intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to the male PC under section 31(1)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
If convicted, FIFA poster girl Kerr faces a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment.
Kerr, of Richmond, South West London, was summonsed via postal requisition to first appear at Wimbledon magistrates’ court on February 1.
The case was committed to Kingston crown court where she appeared via videolink on Monday.
She wore a white T-shirt and black jacket and spoke only to confirm her name and plead not guilty to the charge.
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Judge Judith Elaine Coello ordered her to appear for a four-day trial at the court in February next year at which two police officers are expected to give evidence.
Before that, a hearing is scheduled to take place on 26 April where it is expected the defence will try to dismiss the case by claiming abuse of process.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
