Chelsea's Sam Kerr to stand trial over alleged racial harassment

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment of a police officer, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Australian captain was charged with causing a police officer harassment, alarm or distress during an incident in Twickenham, south-west London, on January 30 last year.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the incident involved an officer who was responding to a complaint about a taxi fare.

Kerr, of Richmond, denied the charge at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court on Monday.

She is due to face trial next February, according to reports. Chelsea has been contacted for comment by the PA news agency.

Kerr is two months into a lengthy period on the sidelines after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Blues' warm-weather training camp in Morocco.

The 30-year-old - Australia's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals - joined Chelsea in 2020 and has helped the London club win the last four Women's Super League titles as well as the FA Cup three times.