- Sam Kerr has received support from Anthony Albanese
- The Prime Minister labeled her a ‘delight’
- Kerr will appear for a criminal trial in February 2025
Sam Kerr has been labeled a ‘delight’ by Anthony Albanese, with Australia’s Prime Minister sharing his thoughts on the court case that has rocked the nation.
On Tuesday morning, the Ny Breaking exclusively revealed that Kerr will face a criminal trial in February next year after being accused of racially abusing a police officer.
The 2018 Young Australian of the Year will seek to have the charges, which arose from an alleged dispute over a taxi fare, dismissed out of court.
Speaking to Asean on Wednesday, Mr Albanese insisted he would not comment on the matter but praised Kerr for her “proud” representation of Australia on the world stage.
Kerr was, of course, Australia’s flag bearer at King Charles’ coronation last year, where the Prime Minister met her.
Sam Kerr has received support from the Australian Prime Minister
Anthony Albanese shared his thoughts on the court case that has rocked Australia
“I do not comment on legal matters before Australian courts, let alone others,” he said.
‘I will say this about my contact with Sam Kerr, she was our standard bearer at the coronation.
‘My contact with her was exemplary.
“She made Australia proud at the time and I think my contact with her has been nothing but wonderful.”
Kerr’s legal team will return to court on April 26 with the aim of avoiding the criminal trial scheduled for February next year.
The new development has stunned Australian sports fans and the Matildas team alike. Coach Tony Gustavsson and Football Australia boss James Johnson revealed they had no idea of the charges before the news broke.
The incident has raised questions about the consequences Kerr should face, with several pundits calling for her to be stripped of the captaincy.
Speaking to Nine’s Today show on Wednesday, former Socceroo Craig Foster believes there is a very good reason to make the move.
Mr Albanese branded Kerr a “delight” and said she has made her country “proud”.
“It’s definitely an open question,” Foster said when asked whether she should be stripped of the Matildas captaincy.
‘The fact that she is not eligible for selection at this time means that this has been avoided. If she was available for selection, I think you would have to answer that question.
“And the answer should probably be yes.”
When asked if he thinks Kerr will be withdrawn, Foster said the game would “definitely have to consider it.”