Controversy has always been a central element of soccer and has existed for as long as the sport itself. Players often find themselves entangled in disputes with each other, between players and managers, or even with fans. Whether it’s on-pitch altercations, red card sendings-off, brawls, or racial targeting of players, we have witnessed it all.
This time, the controversy involves Craig Foster, the former Australian men’s international, who’s a renowned figure in sports media and advocacy. He has retracted his statements after initially voicing his thoughts against the legal case involving Australian women’s star and skipper Sam Kerr.
Craig Foster and Sam Kerr controversy explained
Chelsea women’s star forward Sam Kerr has been allegedly accused of racially abusing a UK police officer in London by calling them ‘a stupid white bastard.’ This incident followed a dispute over a taxi fare after a night out, during which she was reported to have been sick and targeted the officers when they arrived to resolve the row over the fare.
The incident occurred in January 2023, in Twickenham, a suburb in the southwest of London. The 30-year-old player was charged under section 31(1)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 for causing distress to a male officer and is set to undergo a trial.
Earlier this month, she appeared for an online hearing at Kingston Crown Court, pleading not guilty to the charges. A hearing has been scheduled for the next month, on the 26th of April, 2024. Upon being found guilty of the charges, Kerr could face a two-year ban from playing.
Craig Foster, a former Australian and Crystal Palace legend, spoke on the matter, demanding that the Australian FA strip the Chelsea player of her Matildas captaincy. This came after she allegedly hid the legal charges from the Australian governing body. Foster called out her behavior, emphasizing the responsibility she carries as a role model.
Craig Forster apologizes to Sam Kerr
However, the views of former Socceroos midfielder Craig Foster have taken a 360-degree turn after initially criticizing the FIFA 23 cover girl for her remark to the officer as racist. Foster took to X (previously known as Twitter) to pen down an apology and tweeted a two-page statement.
He wrote, “Sam Kerr’s case has created immensely important conversations and exposed gaps in Australia’s knowledge, including mine. I am not at all surprised to have got this wrong, apologize to Sam for reaching the wrong conclusion, and am very pleased to be able to improve my advocacy.” in the caption.
The statement read, “Sport must take the strongest stance against racism… If sport doesn’t get this right, given its immense cultural importance, then Australia will continue to fail to deal with all forms of racism that hold us back from creating a safe and equal society.”
The commentator raised numerous questions about racism, stating, “Speaking of the alleged comments made by Sam Kerr, Foster questioned their nature, asking, even when directed at a white person? What is the significance of power differentials? Could a person of color even be guilty of racism? What would happen if the roles were reversed, and are there double standards?”
What’s your personal take on Samm Kerr stereotyping a police officer? Tell us in the comments section.
