<\/p>\n
Former star striker Lisa De Vanna has launched a tirade at Football Australia over its handling of Sam Kerr\u2019s court case.<\/p>\n
De Vanna made 150 appearances and scored 50 goals for the Matildas over a decorated 15-year career in national colours.<\/p>\n
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer<\/a>.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n While De Vanna received support from some sections of the football community, a number also doubted her claims while a number of Matildas refuted the allegations, with Kerr referring to the team environment at the time as a \u201csafe haven\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>\n With Kerr, 31, found not guilty on Wednesday<\/a> (AEDT) on one charge of racially aggravated harassment after she called a London polic officer \u201cf**king stupid and white\u201d, Football Australia released a statement stating it was \u201ccommitted to supporting Sam\u201d.<\/p>\n The statement failed to address Kerr\u2019s captaincy of the popular Australian side and De Vanna, who was largely ostracised after her comments four years ago, took to social media to blast the governing body.<\/p>\n \u201cSupporting somebody who has behaved poorly vs not supporting someone who calls out poor behaviour, that\u2019s the true culture of the inner circle,\u201d De Vanna wrote in a post on X.<\/p>\n \u201cDouble standards. At least I own my s**t!\u201d<\/p>\n After the not guilty verdict, the judge cautioned Kerr that \u201cher own behaviour\u201d in the police station had contributed to the case being brought in the first place.<\/p>\n After deliberating for a touch over four hours, the jury handed down the verdict at Kingston Crown Court, London, just after 2pm on Tuesday (1am, Wednesday, AEDT).<\/p>\n Kerr looked down as she learned the verdict and then hugged wellwishers including her family.<\/p>\n News Corp Australia\u2019s Sophie Ellsworth, who was in court, said many of Kerr\u2019s supporters in the public gallery broke down in tears as the verdict was read out \u2013 including her fiancee Kristie Mewis.<\/p>\n Kerr showed no emotion during the reading of the verdict but gave a thumbs up to her lawyer after the judge had left. An expressionless Kerr left the court shortly afterwards before posting a statement to social media.<\/p>\n \u201cFollowing today\u2019s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me,\u201d Kerr wrote.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.<\/p>\n \u201cI am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and looking forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.\u201d<\/p>\n Matildas vice-captain Emily van Egmond has been among those throwing their support behind Kerr<\/a>.<\/p>\n