'They Called Us Curry C**ts': Indian Fans Allege Racism During 5th Test, ECB Orders Inquiry
Several Indian fans condemned the discriminatory behavior they encountered on Monday night during the fourth day of the game on Twitter. They alleged that several British supporters insulted them racially.
Towards the close of Day 4, some Indian cricket fans took to social media to share their horrific experience of facing racial verbal attacks.
Several Indian fans claimed on Twitter that other fans had racially harassed them during the game.
Racism
The ECB and Warwickshire County Cricket Club announced that an investigation had been launched following claims of racist abuse directed towards Indian spectators on the fourth day of the fifth Test match between India and England at Edgbaston.
We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today's Test match. We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate. There is no place for racism in cricket
¡ª England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) July 4, 2022
Club Statement
¡ª Edgbaston (@Edgbaston) July 4, 2022
? ¡°Nobody should be subject to any form of abuse at Edgbaston.¡±
? https://t.co/7iv5t1VOwC#Edgbaston | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/VsYmyGIAyj
Several Indian fans condemned the discriminatory behavior they encountered on Monday night during the fourth day of the game on Twitter. They alleged that several British supporters insulted them racially.
One spectator, who was in the Hollies Stand, alleged that the stewards refused to take any action despite several complaints.
"We were also fearful of our safety for women and children, but we received no assistance when we left. This is unacceptable in today¡¯s society @BCCI #ENGvIND," a spectator said in a series of tweets.
So much for battling racism in cricket!! @Edgbaston was horrific today. So many complaints made to stewards however said person was not removed. So disappointed in what we had to face most of the day. @ICC @ECB_cricket @BCCI
¡ª Reena ?? ?? ?? (@RinksB) July 4, 2022
I was at Edgbaston today, in the Hollies stand and I am disgusted and appalled to hear about racism taking place just a few blocks away from where I was sat. It¡¯s not good enough people. Be better. Life bans for those involved. Cricket is a game for everyone
¡ª TheCricketMen (@thecricketmen) July 4, 2022
Racist behaviour at @Edgbaston towards Indian fans in block 22 Eric Hollies. People calling us Curry C**ts and paki bas****s. We reported it to the stewards and showed them the culprits at least 10 times but no response and all we were told is to sit in our seats. @ECB_cricket pic.twitter.com/GJPFqbjIbz
¡ª Trust The Process!!!! (@AnilSehmi) July 4, 2022
The most disgusting racist behaviour and language I have ever seen and experienced today @Edgbaston. Never in my life did I expect this could happen. Racism is rife in 2022. @ECB_cricket #NoRoomforRacism #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/9ZvkA3fSCa
¡ª Dhruv Patel (@Dh2uv) July 4, 2022
Azeem Rafiq, a former Yorkshire cricket player, retweeted some of the social media posts detailing the racist behavior.
Rafiq's evidence before a British parliamentary committee last year prompted an investigation into allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire and resulted in significant reforms.
"Disappointing to read," he wrote.
#racism #ENGvIND #Edgbaston #verbalabuse Disappointed to hear and see racist slur against Indian players @imShard and @mdsirajofficial by the spectators in the south lower stand at Edgaston, UK.
¡ª pavan (@pspavan007) July 4, 2022
Cricket is no longer a gentlemen's game here in the UK :( pic.twitter.com/WmqFPjUh8P
The official Edgbaston Twitter account responded to Rafiq¡¯s tweet, saying:
"We¡¯re incredibly sorry to read this and do not condone this behaviour in anyway. We¡¯ll be investigating this ASAP." Warwickshire later released a statement, stating they are investigating the incident.
"I¡¯m gutted by these reports as we¡¯re working hard to make Edgbaston a safe, welcoming environment for all," Stuart Cain, Chief Executive at Edgbaston said.
"Nobody should be subject to any form of abuse at Edgbaston. So, once we¡¯ve got all the facts, we will make sure this issue is addressed swiftly," the statement added.
The Bharat Army, the official team India supporters group, said the spectators experienced abuse from a "small minority" of individuals.
Sad to say many of our members experienced racist abuse from a very small minority of individuals. We will work with @Edgbaston to share all your feedback.
¡ª The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) July 4, 2022
Thank you to those England fans who stood by us. ??#BharatArmy #ENGvIND
"Sad to say, many of our members experienced racist abuse from a very small minority of individuals. We will work with @Edgbaston to share all your feedback. Thank you to those England fans who stood by us."
"I¡¯m all for some good banter between fans but today was some of the worst abuse we¡¯ve ever experienced at a match. Some disgusting racism ("you smelly ***** for example.) The stewards actually told the India fans to sit down whilst allowing the abuse to go ahead @Edgbaston," another spectator wrote.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said it was very concerned to hear about the report.
"We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today¡¯s Test match. We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate. There is no place for racism in cricket," ECB tweeted.
Hosts England need 119 runs to win the Test on the final day and draw the series 2-2.
(With inputs from PTI)
