Chelsea FC has offered its full support to striker Sam Kerr as the Australian national team skipper is set to face trial in the United Kingdom (UK) whilst dealing with accusations of racially aggravating the harassment of a police officer last year.
Charges were levelled against Kerr on January 21, which was almost a year after the incident allegedly took place in London. She has pleaded not guilty through a video link at the Kingston Crown Court on Monday.
Chelsea did not issue any statement regarding the case back then, but manager Emma Hayes has now assured that the star player has the support of everyone involved with the club.
"I think the first thing I want to say is Sam has our full support, she knows that. Yes it's a difficult time for her. Of course, I can't comment (on the case), what I can say is she has pleaded not guilty and I don't want to do anything to jeopardise anything for Sam by speaking about it. For that reason... that's all I am going to say on the matter," Hayes told reporters.
"But she has our full support and she knows that. It's really important I get that across, it's something I really value. Difficult moments, tough times. That's what my role is in this football club, to make sure I look after our people," she added.
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Kerr is Australia's leading goal-scorer in international football, having netted 69 times in 128 matches for them. She has been missing training since January for Chelsea after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. For the Blues, Kerr has displayed even better form upfront, scoring 99 goals in 128 appearances and also winning the women's top-tier four times, the League Cup twice, and the FA Cup thrice.
