For Sam Kerr, an ordeal that started more than two years ago is finally over.
The decision handed down by a jury on Tuesday means Kerr can put a protracted legal saga behind her, as she prepares to mark her return to football in the next two months.
For seven days over the past two weeks, Chelsea striker Kerr, Australia’s captain and a star of the women’s game worldwide, has battled past a scrum of flashing cameras, stationed outside Kingston Crown Court in south-west London, to attend her trial.
The 31-year-old’s case attracted significant media attention — especially from her home country — with a sizeable press pack waiting outside court every day for her arrival.
“Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me,” Kerr said in a statement posted on social media on Monday evening.
“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed.
“I would like to thank my partner Kristie (Mewis), my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.
“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and look forward to an…
