Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was yet again ‘racially abused’ at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) by a section of ‘unruly’ home team supporters on Day 4 of the ongoing Test match between India and Australia.
At least 6 home team fans were escorted out of the stands at the SCG by the police after Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Mohammed Siraj expressed displeasure over remarks passed on by a section of spectators near the boundary line, where the latter was fielding.
Siraj complained of abuse while fielding on the fine leg boundary during the second session on Sunday.
Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane and pacer Mohammed Siraj were seen engaged in an animated conversation with the match officials complaining about the ‘abuse’, following which personnel of the New South Wales police evicted six people from the stands.
Bring back Kohli for the 4th Test Match
This drunk australians are Abusing Siraj non-stop#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/C56IIZcfow
— Gaurav (@GauravK_8609) January 10, 2021
The incident comes just a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah being ‘racially abused’ on Day 3 of the 3rd Test Match.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) on Sunday issued a strong statement condemning the incident of alleged racial abuse directed towards Indian players during the ongoing third Test between both the teams in Sydney.
We have launched an investigation in parallel with NSW Police following a crowd incident at the SCG today. Full statement ? pic.twitter.com/D7Qu3SenHo
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 10, 2021
Cricket Australia has also launched an investigation into the alleged ‘racial abuse’ of Mohammed Siraj by a section of crowd at the SCG.
Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s (CA) Head of Integrity and Security said, “Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour”.
“If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket. Once those responsible are identified, CA will take the strongest measures possible under our Anti-Harassment Code, including lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to NSW Police,” Carroll added.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has apologised to the visiting Indian Cricket Team over incident of its players being ‘racially abused’ by spectators.
“As series hosts, we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent,” Carroll further said.
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
Meanwhile, former India and Australia cricketers have come together to condemn the alleged instances of racial abuse against the Indian players in the ongoing Test match.
“Very unfortunate with what some of the Australian crowd has been doing at the SCG and spoiling the vibes of a good test series,” said former India opener Virender Sehwag.
Tum karo toh Sarcasm , aur koi Kare toh Racism .
Very unfortunate with what some of the Australian crowd has been doing at the SCG and spoiling the vibes of a good test series. pic.twitter.com/mrDTbX4t7i— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 10, 2021
“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,” tweeted former India batsman VVS Laxman.
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
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 10, 2021
“Unacceptable behaviour there is no place for racism, I hope this is dealt in the most severe way,” tweeted former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody.
Unacceptable behaviour there is no place for racism, I hope this is dealt in the most severe way. #AUSvIND
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 10, 2021
Meanwhile, commentator Harsha Bhogle said, “I hope these incidents of racist abuse are investigated and addressed immediately. Apparently it isn’t difficult to find out who these idiots were. Expecting a quick resolution because that is what Cricket Australia would want too.”
I hope these incidents of racist abuse are investigated and addressed immediately. Apparently it isn't difficult to find out who these idiots were. Expecting a quick resolution because that is what Cricket Australia would want too.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 9, 2021
On the other hand Virat Kohli said, “Racial abuse is absolutely unacceptable. Having gone through many incidents of really pathetic things said on the boundary Iines, this is the absolute peak of rowdy behaviour. It’s sad to see this happen on the field.”
Racial abuse is absolutely unacceptable. Having gone through many incidents of really pathetic things said on the boundary Iines, this is the absolute peak of rowdy behaviour. It's sad to see this happen on the field.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 10, 2021
Meanwhile, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is part of the playing eleven of the Indian team at the SCG said, “This must be dealt with an iron fist and we must make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
This must be dealt with an iron fist and we must make sure it doesn't happen again – @ashwinravi99 on the racial abuses being hurled at India players at the SCG#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Rlv9hMIHVq
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2021