An Australian soccer star was charged with racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in London after allegedly calling the official a stupid white bastard during an incident last year.

Sam Kerr the captain of Australias national womens soccer team, the Matildas was charged over an incident in January 2023 that centered on a dispute over a taxi fare in London. Court documents made public this week claim the superstar allegedly intended to cause the officer harassment, alarm or distress by using abusive or insulting words or behavior.

Kerr has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Kerr, 30, is of Indian heritage . She plays for the English team Chelsea when she is not playing for Australia.

The incident prompted fierce scrutiny in Kerrs native Australia, which was initially roiled by the news after vague reports that she had used a racial slur during the incident. She quickly became one of the countrys most recognizable sportswomen after last years Womens World Cup and the reports threatened to taint her legacy.

Kerr is due to face trial in February 2025, more than two years after the alleged incident. Her attorneys are reportedly planning to ask the court to downgrade or dismiss the charge at a hearing next month, questioning why it took more than a year for charge to be filed.