Manager support for Kerr
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has defended embattled striker Sam Kerr who is embroiled in an alleged racism row against a police officer saying: “She has our full support … this is a difficult time for her.”
The club’s coach revealed Australian golden girl Kerr, who is accused of calling a police officer “a stupid white bastard” in a dispute over a taxi fare in London last year, was going though a “tough”’ time.
Addressing a press conference about the Blues taking on Manchester City Women on Thursday, she swerved questions on whether Kerr had informed the club of the allegation of racially aggravated harassment made in the UK, saying only: “Sam has our full support, she knows that ….
“Yes, it’s a difficult time for her,” she said.
Kerr, 30, has been lying low and not speaking about the incident, a move public relations experts say is right for now but could threaten her multimillion-dollar brand.
Kerr has a $1.5m contract with Chelsea, a $1m endorsement deal with Nike, and several other sponsorship deals, as well as having been featured on the cover of the FIFA 23 video game alongside French football superstar Kylian Mbappe.
PR expert Nicole Reaney said the impact on Kerr’s image – and the football club – will largely come down to the way she addresses the situation.
“Sam was embraced by the nation wholeheartedly and seen as Australia’s golden girl,” InsideOut PR director Ms Reaney said. “A strong, likeable and successful female sports star that budding athletes and young people looked up to. This will taint perceptions and how Sam and her sporting clubs navigate the situation will determine the significance of the impact.”
Ms Reaney said remaining quiet this week was wise to minimise further implications.
“Getting into conversations about the degree of harm will only make matters worse. Of course, personal discussions with all commercial and key personal stakeholders and relationships will be vital as well.”
Kerr pleaded not guilty to the charge of intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to a police officer.