Court Says Chelsea Players Feel Threatened Before Accused Of Racial Harassment

Sam Kerr, Chelsea player, underwent trial for racial abuse of police (Instagram/@samanthakerr20).

JAKARTA - Chelsea footballer Sam Kerr said he was worried about his safety when he was caught in a taxi before he was accused of racial abuse against a policeman.

The Australian captain testified at his trial on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. and said he was scared with his colleagues, West Ham United and United States midfielders, Kristie Mewis. In fact, Kerr said that he and Mewis cried out of fear.

Kerr, 31, who is one of the best female soccer players in the world, was tried on charges of racial abuse against police Stephen Lovell in an incident in southwest London in the early hours of January 30, 2023.

It is suspected that Kerr and Mewis were drinking when they were escorted to the Twickenham Police Station by a taxi driver, who complained that they refused to pay for the cleaning after one of them was sick. One of them was also reported to have broken the rear glass of the vehicle.

At the police station, Kerr allegedly became rude and insulted Lovell by calling him stupid and white.

Kerr admitted to having made the comments, but denied that it was an accusation.

While providing evidence, Kerr told the jury that he was sticking his head out the window when he started to feel pain before the taxi driver started driving dangerously.

He said the dangerous driving continued for 15 to 20 minutes.

"I am very afraid of my safety. We cannot control ourselves. I consider it dangerous because of how to drive."

"However, he could have taken us anywhere. He can't be tracked. So, no one knows where we are," said Kerr.

Kerr said he and Mewis tried to open the doors and windows several times, but remained locked before Mewis kicked (the window) with his boots.

Footage from Lovell's previous body camera was played to the jury, where Kerr told him and police named Samuel Limb that the women's two footballers were very scared and tried to escape from the taxi when they damaged the vehicle.

The court also heard that, at the police station, Kerr referred to the case of Sarah Everard, who was murdered by police Wayne Couzens in 2023, telling officers about saying "girls in Clapham" were "raped and murdered".

"I know it's not you, but we're both scared," Kerr said in the tape addressed to Lovell.

Born in Perth, Kerr also referred to the Australian Claremont serial killer.

"I live in a state where for 30 years there have been serial killers suspected of being a taxi driver."

"Everyone is talking about not being allowed to take a taxi," said the player.