Sam Kerr, Chelsea FC star and Australia women’s captain pleaded not guilty to a “racially aggravated offence” of a police officer, British authorities said Monday.
The 30-year-old striker was charged following an incident involving an officer on January 30 last year in Twickenham, a suburb of southwest London.
The officer was “responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson wrote in a statement to CNN Monday.
Kerr was charged “via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986,” the Met Police added.
Kerr denied the charge at the Kingston Upon Thames Crown Court on Monday, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed to CNN.
She is scheduled to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on 1 February 2025, the Met Police said.
Football Australia said it was “aware of the legal proceedings involving Sam Kerr in the United Kingdom” and would provide “support” to the Matilda’s captain.
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. Our focus remains on supporting all our players, both on and off the field. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as appropriate,” Football Australia said.