By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Football Australia said on Wednesday it looked forward to Sam Kerr's return to the pitch after the national women's captain was found not guilty of racial abuse but the episode has left a sour taste for some fans and pundits in Australia.

Football Australia has baulked at confirming whether Sam Kerr will return to the Matildas as captain, after the 31-year-old was found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in London. Kerr walked free from court on Tuesday following nearly four and half hours of deliberation by a jury.

Football Australia has pledged to support Matildas captain Sam Kerr through the aftermath of her high-profile court case and her long-awaited return from injury. Kerr walked free from a London court on Tuesday after being found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.