Sam Kerr's five-day trial at Kingston Crown Court is in its fifth day.

The 31-year-old Matildas captain is charged with allegedly racially aggravated assault against PC Stephen Lovell following an incident with a taxi driver in the early hours of 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.

The Chelsea star denies the charges despite bodycam footage of her calling Lovell "f******* and white" when doubted her claim of being "taken hostage" by the taxi driver.

At court today, Friday 7 February, current and former Chelsea players, including Millie Bright and Carly Telford, and the team's former manager, Emma Hayes, came to Kerr's defence, describing her as "selfless" and a "truly special human", according to The Guardian.

The paper writes: "On Friday, a number of figures from Chelsea women provided character witness statements in support of Kerr, who was described as "one of the warmest, friendliest, kindest players" but an "introvert" off the pitch.

"Carly Telford, a goalkeeper who played for Chelsea from 2017 to 2022, told the court she first met Kerr in 2012 when they played against each other in Australia.

"At one point in the game, Telford "came out to punch a ball, and punched Sam instead". They met up after the game and "had a good chat", said Telford. "The fact she came and spoke to me, check in on me. She didn't have to do that, but it was a very nice thing to do."

"She said once Kerr had signed with Chelsea, the pair "became close friends". She described how Kerr would interact with younger academy players. "That's probably where you see someone like Sam shine the most. She's the type of person who makes people feel very at ease. I think that's why she gets on with everyone in the team," she said."

The paper says that Telford described Kerr as an "introverted extrovert" who, "on the pitch you see the skills, the back flips [but] away from pitch, she's quite quiet and shy. Quite reserved".

"Telford said Kerr was "generous" with her money and considers how she can cover costs for the younger players on nights out "to make sure they can celebrate with us".

"Grace Forbes, defending Kerr, also read out a number of character witness statements provided in writing.

"Millie Bright, the Chelsea and England defender, described Kerr as a "truly special human".

""Sam is that person who connects with everyone and brings everyone together and puts a smile on everyone's face. She's a big believer in having the right environment at the club," her statement said.

""She has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met and do anything for anyone. There are not many people in the world who can bring people together like Sam. She is a truly special human," said Bright."

The Guardian reports that Bright said that Kerr has a "great poker face" and that others "probably don't know what she's dealing with". Bright added: "She doesn't want to put her stresses on others, so she deals with it behind the scenes."

Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea manager and current head coach of the USA football team, described Kerr as "one of the warmest, friendliest, kindest and most considerate players" she had ever coached, according to the paper.

"She is calm and level-headed and mindful. She comes from a wonderful family. She has the biggest heart, she is a big kid at heart," said Hayes.

 "I think she does well to manage everything that is thrown at her and the expectation that is placed on her."

It writes: "Erin Cuthbert, the Chelsea and Scotland midfielder, called Kerr a "great friend and teammate" who "has a unique knack of seeing the best in everyone".

"She said they "immediately got on like a house on fire" after first meeting and "we find ourselves belly laughing often".

""Sam takes part in charity work in Australia. Sam is a pivotal LGBT figure.

""Sam uses her platform to allow everyone to be accepted and she is no different in her personal life."

""That is why I'm lucky to call her my friend.""

Kerr's mother, Roxanne, also provided a statement, according to The Guardian, calling her daughter "the most humble, honest and loving person I know" who "will always fight for what is right".

"I'm so proud of the woman she has become," she added.

The trial continues.