Australia players back Kerr to continue as captain

SYDNEY – Sam Kerr is welcome back in the Australia camp and has her teammates’ support to resume the captaincy when fit to play, according to midfielder Emily van Egmond.

The 31-year-old was found not guilty of racially abusing a British police officer in February, two years after calling him “stupid and white” following a drunken dispute with a taxi driver.

While Football Australia said on March 31 that it would take no further action against Kerr, some football pundits and fans have questioned whether she should continue to lead the Matildas.

But Australia vice-captain van Egmond was adamant there was no debate among the players.

“She definitely should not be stepping down,” she told Australia media in Sydney on April 1.

“The federation has come out and said what they need to say and obviously Sammy’s had her side to say as well. As teammates and a team, we’re in full support of her.”

Kerr recently met Football Australia officials to discuss her future with the national side.

“Sam remains a valued member of the Matildas, recognised by her teammates for her leadership qualities. We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming her back once she is fit and ready, and we fully support her ongoing journey in Australian football,” said board member Heather Garriock.

Kerr has not played in more than 15 months as she continues her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in training for her club Chelsea. The striker has not commented publicly on the captaincy issue, but has said that she regrets her case and that “leadership means being mindful of our actions both on and off the pitch”.

Football Australia has shielded her from media duties since she joined a Matildas training camp in Sydney ahead of a pair of friendlies against