Soccer fans shocked as Sam Kerr charged with racial harassment of police officer

Football fans have been left scratching their heads about the timeline regarding Sam Kerr's alleged racial harassment of a police officer, with many wondering why the public didn't know about it sooner.

On Tuesday morning, Daily Mail exclusively revealed that the Matildas captain will face trial in February next year for the alleged incident.

The Chelsea striker appeared in court accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to the officer in Twickenham, southwest London, on January 30 last year.

The 30-year-old, who wore a white T-shirt under a black suit jacket as she appeared at Kingston Crown Court via videolink, spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge.

She was told she was obliged to attend a four-day trial, scheduled for next February, during which two police officers are expected to give evidence.

Some fans following the case are wondering why the incident is only coming to light now, more than a year after it allegedly occurred.

One posted to X: 'What's with the delay? Was the charge laid months after the incident?'

Another wrote: 'She was charged in 2023 but faces trial in 2025?? Why the long wait?'

Journalist Tracey Holmes also posted about it, writing: 'Plenty of questions over the criminal charge against the #Matildas captain #SamKerr for alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer - in the NRL she would have been stood down already.

'This happened in January 2023, who knew what and when?'

A fan based in the UK replied to Holmes' question, offering an explanation.

'We have this concept in the United Kingdom called 'innocent until proven guilty',' the fan said.

Holmes replied: 'Yes. Agree. My questions do not apply to the law