Kerr’s ‘not guilty’ verdict will not repair the damage to her reputation

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Football Today

·12 Februari 2025

Kerr’s ‘not guilty’ verdict will not repair the damage to her reputation

Chelsea Women’s football player Sam Kerr is not racist, according to a jury at Kingston Crown Court.

Calling a police officer ‘stupid and white’ during an aggressive and expletive-laden rant seemingly does not meet the threshold for a guilty verdict to be delivered.

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While this will be a relief to one of the top women footballers in the world, the damage to her reputation may be irreparable.

Kerr’s ‘innocence’ won’t save her in the court of public opinion

Australia’s sporting golden girl faces a tough task in repairing her damaged reputation.

While the jury decided she was not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment, her reported comments did not paint a pretty picture.

The trial triggered a broader debate over power and privilege, and Kerr’s behaviour resembled someone who thinks she is better than other people.

Kerr has previously been on the receiving end of homophobia and racism, so she should have a decent handle on the damaging nature of abuse.

Her embarrassing antics, sprinkled with comments which can’t be argued to be anything other than racist, will leave a lasting stain on how she is perceived.