Why Sam Kerr's series of glowing character references - including one from her mother - may still result in a conviction for racial harassment

The lead prosecutor in Sam Kerr's racial harassment trial has warned a series of glowing character references - including one from her mother Roxanne - doesn't excuse drunken behaviour from the Matildas captain towards a police officer. Kerr, 31, is accused of causing racially aggravated harassment to PC Stephen Lovell during an incident in south-west London on January 30 in 2023. She denies the charges.

The Chelsea striker labelled PC Lovell 'f---ing stupid and white' in explosive vision which was captured on body cam footage and played to the court. Kerr and her fiancée Kristie Mewis maintain the foul-mouthed reaction of the footballer was a reaction to a terrifying ride in a taxi after a night out. In the same taxi, Kerr vomited in the vehicle and Mewis - who is carrying the couple's first child - kicked in the window.

The lead prosecutor in Sam Kerr's racial harassment trial has warned a series of glowing character references doesn't excuse drunken behaviour of the Matildas captain towards a police officer. Kerr, 31, is accused of causing racially aggravated harassment to PC Stephen Lovell during an incident in south-west London on January 30 in 2023 - she denies the charges (pictured, with fiancée Kristie Mewis).

Prosecution lawyer Bill Emlyn Jones said Kerr's conduct was 'abusive and insulting' and despite numerous positive references for the Aussie which hailed her good character, he pointed out the reaction would be very different if the mixed-race footballer had labelled PC Lovell 'f---ing stupid and black.'. 'Calling a white man white is not as loaded as calling a black man black,' Jones stated. 'The fact remains that, in the heat of the moment, this was an insult delivered by reference to race and that is what the law prohibits.

'The law does not discriminate between different races when it comes to racist language.'. Earlier, the court heard the likes of Chelsea teammate Millie Bright and former manager Emma Hayes leap to Kerr's defence. Bright described Kerr as a 'truly special human'. 'Sam is that person who connects with everyone and brings everyone together and puts a smile on everyone's face. She's a big believer in having the right environment at the club,' her statement said.

'She has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met and do anything for anyone. 'There are not many people in the world who can bring people together like Sam. She is a truly special human.'. A series of character references were provided in court, lauding Sam Kerr's integrity, including one from her mother Roxanne. Hayes, the former Blues manager and current head coach of the USWNT, described Kerr as 'one of the warmest, friendliest, kindest and most considerate players' she had ever worked with.

'She is calm and level-headed and mindful,' she said. 'Sam comes from a wonderful family. She has the biggest heart, she is a big kid at heart.'. Kerr's mother Roxanne also provided a character reference, calling her daughter 'the most humble, honest and loving person I know' who 'will always fight for what is right'. 'I'm so proud of the woman she has become,' she added. The trial continues on Monday, with the defence - led by lawyer Grace Forbes - still to provide its closing arguments.