Kerr apology is ‘enough’ says Chelsea boss Bompastor as she confirms striker will not face disciplinary action | OneFootball

Chelsea Women’s boss Sonia Bompastor confirmed the club would not be taking any further disciplinary action against Sam Kerr following her court case.

On Tuesday, Kerr was found not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment after calling a Metropolitan Police officer “stupid and white” following an incident in Twickenham on 30 January 2023.

The Australian apologised for her actions, saying in a statement:

“Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me.

“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed.

“I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.

“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and look forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.”

And Bompastor says the club will not be taking any further action: “Sam made a statement, she apologised for it and I think that’s enough.”

“Since I joined Chelsea I know Sam as a player and a person, and I was really surprised for her to be involved in that.

“Who she is does not reflect what I heard in the court and what I was reading in the newspapers.

“She is a really nice person and it is difficult for me to understand why it went that way and why she had to stay one week in court. The verdict was unanimous.

“She made a statement and she was clear in her statement. She was clear in her statement and I think that was enough.

“I think what she was facing last week was hard enough for her. I think as you can imagine it was a tough week, a difficult week for her and her family.

“The only thing we want to do as a club is support her.”

Bompastor was strong in her defence of Kerr, adding: “Sometimes you can make mistakes. Everyone, every woman can make mistakes. It’s what you learn from that and how you move forward.

“But when you know the person you know she’s really nice and it’s maybe one moment in her life where something happened.”

Kerr had already been a long-term absentee from Chelsea’s squad due to an ACL injury. One of the best players in the world, she has been a huge miss for the Blues. However, there was positive news on the fitness of the previous WSL Player of the Season.

Bompastor said: ”It is difficult to give a really precise time frame, but we are really happy to have her back on the pitch with the team.”

“She is progressing with her rehab and going in the right direction.”