Sam Kerr’s family remain tight-lipped about racial harassment allegations

The close-knit family of Australian soccer star Sam Kerr remain tight-lipped about how the footballer is coping following revelations she will stand trial accused of racially harassing a British police officer.

For the past week, the Chelsea striker has been in the headlines not for her sporting prowess but over an alleged incident that took place in Twickenham, south-west London on January 30 last year.

The 30-year-old is accused of calling a London constable a “stupid white cop” during a night out in the British capital.

However, she was only charged with using insulting, threatening or abusive words that cause alarm or distress on January 21 this year. She pleaded not guilty to the offence and is due to face trial in February next year.

Since the allegations surfaced, her supportive parents Roger and Roxanne and siblings have kept quiet, refusing to be drawn on the claims made against her.

And on Monday they kept their silence.

As they left a building on Hay Street in Perth, the family were asked how Kerr was coping but they declined to answer and quickly jumped into a waiting white SUV.

British media have reported the claims against Kerr stem from an alleged dispute involving a taxi.

The 2018 Young Australian of the Year is said to have been sick in the back of the cab following a night out when police were called. She then allegedly made the remark.

It is also said to have occurred hours after she scored a hat-trick with her English club, Chelsea.

Her lawyers are expected to attempt to have the charges dismissed next month, well ahead of any trial.

When news broke that Kerr had been charged, Football Australia boss James Johnson and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson both admitted they were not aware of the allegations, sparking speculation Kerr had kept the alleged incident secret from them.

Initially, Football Australia released a statement saying the organisation would monitor the situation.

Since then, they have come out in support of the sports star saying she had a right “to a fair and just legal process”.

“We trust the judicial system to handle this matter appropriately and urge respect for the legal proceedings,” they said.

“We are in touch with Sam and her team, and Football Australia is committed to supporting Sam throughout this process.”

WA Premier Roger Cook also pledged his support for Kerr over the incident saying he didn’t think the comments made were racist.

“I don’t think it is racist. Sam is a great West Australian,” Mr Cook said.

“She’s done so much for Western Australian sport and so much for women and girls’ sports.”