Racism in cricket: Twitterati fumes as Mohammed Siraj complains of racial abuse on Day 4 at the SCG

Mohammed Siraj complains of racial abuse: The Indian fast bowler immediately raised a complaint with the on-field umpires.

During the fourth day of the third Test of the ongoing India’s tour of Australia, India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was at the receiving end of some ill-suited comments from a small section of spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

It is worth mentioning that the Indian team management had complained to the match referee with respect to Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah getting racially abused from a few spectators while fielding at the boundary.

While the investigation regarding the same is underway by the ICC (International Cricket Council) and Cricket Australia, a possibly similar incident happened when Siraj went to the boundary after completing his 25th over in the second session.

The right-arm bowler immediately raised another complaint to the on-field umpires which witnessed a substantial delay in play. What followed was India captain Ajinkya Rahane having a long conversation with the umpires who then communicated the same to security officials present at the venue.

With Siraj and Rahane pointing out towards the exact stand, a lot of officials were seen interacting with the spectators as well. The NSW Police soon removed around six men from their seats at the SCG.

Once play resumed, Bumrah conceded a four and a six before dismissing Cameron Green in the same over which was followed by players leaving the field for a tea break. Having scored his maiden Test half-century, 84 (132) comprising of eight fours and four sixes, Green played a vital role in propelling Australia to hand India a 407-run target.

Twitterati fumes as Mohammed Siraj complains of racial abuse on Day 4

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

There’s a difference between banter and abuse. Esp if it is racial abuse. Poor from the spectators and even worse from #glenmcgrath to just brush it aside on air #SonySports @SonySportsIndia #SayNoToRacism

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) January 10, 2021

The Indian camp looks understandably displeased with the crowd trouble. Coach Ravi Shastri has had an animated chat with the team’s security officer on tour #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TNrbP9FrPY

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 10, 2021

The ones doing it and people next to them who don’t voice against it and keep quite are also equally guilty! #racialabuse #AUSvIND

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) 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. #AUSvIND

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 10, 2021

Just an update on the spectators involved in that incident. They are currently in the process of being removed from the stadium and the police are investigating the incident. #AUSvIND

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 10, 2021

Totally unacceptable, Australia. These guys are our guests, and must be treated with respect.

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) January 10, 2021

There’s seriously no place for this rubbish. Never understand the need to yell abuse at players on a sporting field.. let alone anything like this to India. If you’re not here to watch the cricket, and can’t be respectful, get OUT. #AUSvIND

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) January 10, 2021

So disappointed with a very small part of the SCG fans, totally embarrassed.

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 10, 2021

Play comes to a halt due to poor problems in the crowd. Lots of chats between umpires and players #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/O9AlMeJK29

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) January 10, 2021

I hope the spectators evicted from the SCG today aren’t allowed in to a ground at anytime. They tarnish our sport and they tarnish the reputation of their society.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 10, 2021

Shocking scenes… the look on Mohammad Siraj’s face is heartbreaking #AUSvIND

— Corbin Middlemas (@CorbinMiddlemas) January 10, 2021

Cops just evicted 6 for presumably racially vilifying Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj at SCG. pic.twitter.com/QIDBcc1FSA

— CJ Werleman (@cjwerleman) January 10, 2021

It’s shameful that a visitor in our country – not least Siraj, who has performed so joyously at the start of his Test career – has to endure this. And anyone who plays it down, as they will on Sky News later tonight, should be condemned. https://t.co/GhC9vWR8lE

— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) January 10, 2021

Not sure it was possible, but love Siraj even more now.

— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) January 10, 2021

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