Veteran sports broadcaster brands Kerr 'disgrace' for keeping her trial a secret

Veteran sports broadcaster Jim Wilson has shared his thoughts on Sam Kerr's legal drama after the Matildas star's court appearance rocked Australia on Tuesday.

Kerr, Australia's highest-profile sportswoman, faced a court in London on Monday charged with racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.

The 30-year-old entered a not guilty plea and will face a four-day criminal trial next February.

The Chelsea star is charged with using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to PC Lovell during an alleged incident in Twickenham, south-west London, on January 30 last year.

The new development has stunned Aussie sports fans, as well as the Matildas team - with coach Tony Gustavsson admitting he was not aware of the incident before the news on Tuesday.

'I was informed this morning and obviously was surprised and had some time to talk to the federation [Football Australia] about it.

'And as you know the federation have come out with a statement. Because it is a legal process, I need to refer to that statement.

'Unfortunately I can't comment more than that.

'But I can make it very clear that today was the very first time I ever heard about it.'

Gustavsson's revelation has led to bemusement among fans and pundits, with former Seven broadcaster Wilson weighing in on the new story.

'There’s a presumption of innocence until proven guilty, but the coverup is a disgrace by Sam Kerr,' he tweeted.

'If I was the boss @FootballAUS I’d be livid and reading her the riot act, end of story. Optics are appalling!'

Some fans following the case are wondering why the incident is only coming to light now, more than a year after it allegedly occurred.

One posted to X: 'What's with the delay? Was the charge laid months after the incident?'

Another wrote: 'She was charged in 2023 but faces trial in 2025?? Why the long wait?'

Journalist Tracey Holmes also posted about it, writing: 'Plenty of questions over the criminal charge against the #Matildas captain #SamKerr for alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer - in the NRL she would have been stood down already.

'This happened in January 2023, who knew what and when?'