India, Rohit Sharma, Australia
Mohammed Siraj [Photo-Twitter]

Former India batsman Virender Sehwag has condemned the shameful behaviour from few spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the ongoing third Test between India and Australia. For the second day in a row, a section of the crowd abused India pacer Mohammed Siraj. On Saturday too, they had targeted Siraj as well as Jasprit Bumrah.

Virender Sehwag’s reaction came after at least five spectators were thrown out of the stadium by the police for their disgraceful behaviour. Mohammed Siraj, who went to field near the boundary rope after getting hit for a couple of sixes by Cameron Green, complained of receiving abuse from the spectators. He quickly walked up to the senior players and informed them of the incident.

Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj (Photo: Twitter)

Captain Ajinkya Rahane took the issue to on-field umpires straightaway to lodge the complaint. Mohammed Siraj was also seen pointing towards the stands from where the fans had misbehaved. The umpire was then seen walking towards the authority before the security officials got into action and at least 5 spectators were asked to leave.

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Watch: Spectators Thrown Out Of SCG By Police For Abusing Mohammed Siraj Again

The latest incident followed India making officials aware after the third day’s play that they believed a group of players, including Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, were subject to abuse, including racial abuse, from the crowd. In response to the previous incident, Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity and Security, said anyone who sought to vilify and/or harass had no place in Australian cricket.

“Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour,” Carroll said.

“If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket. CA is awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council’s investigation into the matter reported at the SCG on Saturday. 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. 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,” added Carroll.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Credits: Twitter)

Cricket fraternity condemns spectators’ behaviour:

As expected the incident is drawing criticism from the cricket fraternity as not only the fans but several cricketers, past and present, took to Twitter to condemn the fans’ behaviour. Former India opener Virender Sehwag led the reactions and was joined by the likes of VVS Laxman, Tom Moody among others.

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“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,” wrote Sehwag.

 

“Unacceptable behaviour by some unruly fans at SCG. True cricket lovers know, there is no place for racism anywhere. Sad to see that such unfortunate incidents bring cricket and Australia in news for wrong reasons. Hope, CA handles it professionally,” wrote RP Singh.

“Com’on spectators, we can all do better. The game of cricket is about celebrating EVERYONE and not abusing. P.s. Getting to watch cricket live from the stadium is a privilege in these difficult times, honour it,” wrote India women team’s star Shikha Pandey.

“Unacceptable behaviour there is no place for racism, I hope this is dealt in the most severe way,” wrote Tom Moody.

“The ones doing it and people next to them who don’t voice against it and keep quite are also equally guilty!” wrote Pragyan Ojha.

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“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,” wrote VVS Laxman.

 

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