Chelsea star Sam Kerr backed by manager Emma Hayes amid racially aggravated harassment charge as trial looms

Kerr entered a not guilty plea in court on Monday after being charged with "using insulting, threatening or abusive statements that caused alarm or distress" to a police officer in January 2023.

Speaking for the first time since the news broke, Hayes told reporters on Wednesday: "Sam has our full support, she knows that. It's a difficult time for her. Of course I can't comment, you know that. I can say that I know she's pleaded not guilty and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardise anything for Sam by speaking about it. For that reason, I’m sure you can appreciate that’s all I’m going to say on the matter.

"But she has our full support, she knows that, it’s really important I get that across, it’s something I really really value. There’s difficult moments, tough times and that’s what my role is at this football club, to make sure I look after our people and I want to make it clear that Sam will be supported by me and everybody else."

Kerr will attend a trial for the case which is expected to last four days. That trial is currently scheduled for February next year and will take place in the United Kingdom.

Until then, the Chelsea star is currently focused on her rehab after suffering a devastating ACL injury in the New Year. It means not only is her season already over, but she will also not play for Australia at the Olympics this summer.