Matildas captain Sam Kerr has been found not guilty after being charged with racially aggravated harassment in the UK.
The Chelsea FC striker called a police officer "f***ing stupid and white" during a night out in London that ended at a police station after a disputed taxi fare.
The jury deliberated for over four hours before delivering a not-guilty verdict that brought many of Kerr's supporters to tears, including her pregnant wife Kristie Mewis, per reporter Sophie Ellsworth.
Kerr showed no emotion as the verdict was read, except for giving a thumbs up to her lawyer Grace Forbes. Shortly after leaving the courtroom she posted a statement on social media.
"Following today's not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me," she said.
"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 agreed.
"I would like thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.
"I am fully focussed on getting back on to the pitch and looking forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family."
Although she was found not guilty by law, the court of public opinion remains divided, with many calling for her to be stripped of the national team captaincy.
Former Socceroo Bruce Djite believes that Kerr should step down from the role.
"It's certainly damaging to the Matildas brand, they're the most loved team in the country." he said on the ABC.
"With that, it leads me to believe that she can't remain as captain. When you are a big player, big responsibilities, conduct like that no matter what the circumstances, if I'm being brutally honest, will be punished.
"Sam Kerr has got time to reflect on it. She's big enough now. She should hand back the captaincy voluntarily."
Kerr is expected to be sidelined until February or March as her ACL recovery takes longer than anticipated.
