Australia players back Kerr to continue as captain
MELBOURNE, April 1 (Reuters) - Sam Kerr is welcome back in the Australia camp and has her teammates' support to resume the captaincy when fit to play, according to midfielder Emily van Egmond.
Kerr was found not guilty of racially abusing a British police officer in February, two years after calling him "stupid and white" following a drunken dispute with a taxi driver.
While Football Australia said on Monday it would take no action against Kerr, some soccer pundits and fans have questioned whether she should continue to lead the Matildas.
Australia vice-captain Van Egmond was adamant there was no debate among the players.
"She definitely should not be stepping down," the 31-year-old told Australia media in Sydney on Tuesday.
"The federation have come out and said what they need to say and obviously Sammy's had her side to say as well. As teammates and a team, we're in full support of her."
Kerr has not played in more than 15 months as she continues her recovery from an ACL injury suffered in training for her London club Chelsea.
The 31-year-old striker has not commented publicly on the captaincy issue and Football Australia have shielded her from media duties since she joined a Matildas training camp in Sydney ahead of a pair of friendlies against South Korea.
Australia's most prolific goal-scorer has been ruled out of the Korean matches but will continue her recovery with the team as agreed with Chelsea.
Van Egmond said it was "amazing" to have Kerr back in camp.
"Not only for herself but for the team. It's just been really nice to have her around us and (we'll) continue to support her with whatever she needs before she's back on the pitch."
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