Samantha Kerr is set to deny she called a London police officer a “bastard” as she prepares for a return to court in April.
Kerr is accused of the racially aggravated harassment of the officer amid a dispute with a taxi driver in Twickenham in January 2023.
She has pleaded not guilty in court.
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Now, The Australian has reported that her legal team will argue that Kerr called the officer a “stupid white cop” rather than the previously reported statement of “stupid white bastard”.
Kerr’s criminal trial has been set for February 2025, but her defence team will be back in court this April in an attempt to have the charges downgraded or dismissed due to alleged “abuse of process”.
Kerr was charged on January 21 this year with the time period between the incident and charge being laid understood to be central to her legal team’s abuse of process claim.
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The Matildas captain is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, but heads of both Football Australia and her UK club Chelsea have expressed support for her.
Politicians back in Australia have also backed Kerr, with NSW Premier Chris Minns suggesting that the phrase “stupid white bastard” should not be considered racist.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook also expressed his admiration for the Perth-born Kerr.
Kerr could face jail time if she is found guilty.
This story first appeared on Radio Today