Kerr has our full support, says Chelsea manager Hayes, after police charges

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr has the Women's Super League club's "full support," manager Emma Hayes said. The Australia captain is set to face trial in the UK after being accused of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer last year.

Kerr was charged on January 21, nearly a year after the alleged London incident. The 30-year-old entered a not guilty plea via video link at Kingston Crown Court on Monday.

The club declined to comment on Kerr's case at the time, but Hayes stated that she and "everyone else at Chelsea" would support her.

"I think the first thing I want to say is Sam has our full support, she knows that. Yes it's a difficult time for her," Hayes told reporters.

"Of course, I can't comment (on the case), what I can say is she has pleaded not guilty and I don't want to do anything to jeopardise anything for Sam by speaking about it. For that reason... that's all I am going to say on the matter."

"But she has our full support and she knows that. It's really important I get that across, it's something I really value. Difficult moments, tough times. That's what my role is in this football club, to make sure I look after our people."

According to British media, Kerr's lawyers will seek to have the charge dismissed at a hearing next month.

Kerr, Australia's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 128 appearances, has been out since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury at Chelsea training in January.

She has scored 99 goals in 128 games for the London club, winning four league titles, three FA Cups, and two League Cups.

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