UNITED KINGDOM. ENGLAND: During the match of India vs England, a section of English fans reportedly racially abused some Indian fans on Day 4. They called Indians Curry C**ts and Paki Bas****s. On Monday, when the hosts were chasing a 378-run target, several Indian fans took to social media and shared photos and videos of the purported incident.
As per their information, the incident took place during the final session. Shockingly, many manciples asked the Indian fans to sit down while allowing the abuse to go on.
“The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the authorities at Edgbaston have noted the incident and assured action over this unethical behaviour. Edgbaston has been working hard to create a safe and inclusive working environment,” ECB said in a statement.
Twitteratis flooded tweets with anger and repulsion. Former Yorkshire spinner Azeem Rafiq, who had blown the whistle on racism in English cricket, also highlighted the matter. In response to the tweet, the official Twitter handle of Edgbaston responded to his tweet and wrote, “We’re incredibly sorry to read this and do not condone this behaviour in any way [sic]. We’ll be investigating this ASAP.” Later, The Bharat Army, the official India supporters’ group, reported that “many” of its members on the ground had been targeted by “a tiny minority”.
England were 259 for three at stumps on day four, needing a very obtainable 119 runs for a series-levelling victory. Post-lunch session at 229/7, India lost Mohammed Shami in the fourth ball of the Tea session as English captain Ben Stokes dismissed him for 13.
Ravindra Jadeja put the ball onto his stumps for 23 as the hosts lost their ninth wicket for 236. In his next over, Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah for seven to bowl out India for 245. The hosts set visitors a 378-run target. On Monday, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow put England on course for a ground-breaking run chase against India despite Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance on day four.
The England and Wales Cricket Board stated their concern at the reports and reiterated its stance on racism. ECB has also taken note of the incident and promised to take action.
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