Emma Hayes breaks silence on Chelsea star Sam Kerr's court ordeal

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has thrown her 'full support' behind Sam Kerr as she addressed her superstar striker's court case on Wednesday.

On Monday night, Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Kerr will face a criminal trial in February next year after being accused of racially harassing a police officer.

The 2018 Young Australian of the Year will seek to have the charge, which stemmed from an alleged dispute over a taxi fare, thrown out of court.

It later emerged that Kerr allegedly called PC Lovell a 'stupid white PC' and vomited in the taxi.

And speaking to the media ahead of Chelsea's upcoming game against Manchester City, Hayes said the club fully back the 30-year-old.

'Sam has our full support, she knows that,' she said. 'It's a difficult time for her. Of course I can't comment, you know that.

When asked whether she knew about the criminal proceedings before Monday's news broke, Hayes said: '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.'

The development adds to a frustrating year for Kerr, who has been sidelined with an injury. Hayes said that everybody at the London club is supporting her.

'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,' she added. I want to make it clear that Sam will be supported by me and everybody else.'

Hayes's comments come after Football Australia and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson revealed they did not know about the Twickenham incident.