After Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj on Sunday complained about a certain group of viewers objectionable comments, which led to the security officials and New South Wales (NSW) Police taking charge and removing six fans from the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), several former and active cricketers have expressed their condemnation of this act in the ground.
Many took to their social media account to express that they are completely against such occurrences on the playing round.
Former India batsman VVS Laxman slammed the incident and termed it as “very unfortunate”, adding that "there is no place for this rubbish". He said he doesn’t understand why people resort to such activities to spoil the atmosphere by hurling abuse at players.
"Very unfortunate to see what's happening at SCG. There is no place for this rubbish. Never understood the need to yell abuse at players on a sporting field. If you're not here to watch the game and can't be respectful, then pls don't come and spoil the atmosphere. #AUSvIND" tweeted Laxman.
Harbhajan Singh - retired off-spinner said that this was the not first time he had heard Australia crowd making insulting comments about Indian players whale he himself has experienced such vicious comments whenever he played in Australia. He said he heard the crowd throwing remarks on his religion, his colour, among others.
"I have heard many things on the field while playing in Australia about Me My religion, My colour and much more. This isn't the first time the crowd is doing this nonsense. How do u stop them ?? #AUSvIND," Harbhajan wrote on the micro-blogging site.
Also Read: Indian officials allege Bumrah, Siraj racially abused by the crowd at the Sydney Cricket GroundCom’on spectators, we can all do better. The game of cricket is about celebrating EVERYONE and not abusing. #Unacceptable
— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) January 10, 2021
P.s. Getting to watch cricket live from the stadium is a privilege in these difficult times, honour it.
The Indian team on Saturday recorded an official complaint to the match officials after fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were allegedly racially abused by some fans on Day 2 and 3 of the ongoing third Test match in Sydney.
Cricket Australia after the incident has released an apology to the Indian team and affirmed them of taking action as per the "strongest measures possible under our Anti-Harassment Code".
Cricket Australia has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behaviour in all forms following the alleged racial abuse of members of the Indian cricket squad by a section of the crowd at the SCG yesterday. Full statement 👇 pic.twitter.com/34RYcfKj8q
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 10, 2021