Racism is something that needs to be eradicated from our society as soon as possible, as it threatens to destroy the world that we have painstakingly created over the years. Sports faces this challenge on a daily basis, as sporting bodies all over the world have taken steps to remove racism completely.
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Unfortunately there are always some incidents that prop up, such as the one that South African pacer Imran Tahir had to face after the fourth ODI against India a couple of days ago.
Tahir, who was not part of the playing XI in that match, was racially abused by a spectator from the stands. Tahir was shocked, and confronted the spectator after the match.
The classy leg-spinner was distraught and was involved in a heated argument with that particular member before the security guards came into picture. The language that was thrown around was unacceptable, as parents were not happy that Tahir was using profanity in front of children.
After the match, CSA released a statement in which they said that Tahir was racially abused, and that strict actions needed to be taken to prevent from happening in the future.
“Cricket South Africa has noted and is aware of the circulation of video footage featuring Imran Tahir on social media and Whatsapp groups,” CSA said in a release.
“Imran Tahir was verbally and racially abused by an unknown man during the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against India at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.”Tahir reported the incident to the stadium security, and was subsequently accompanied by two security personnel to identify and to have the man ejected from the stadium. Tahir made no physical contact with the offender or any of the children in the vicinity. The incident is under investigation with the CSA and stadium security teams.
“In accordance with the ICC Anti-racism code, spectators who engage in racist conduct are to be ejected from the stadium and can face further sanctions and criminal prosecution,” CSA stated.To his credit, Tahir came out on social media and released a statement in which he expressed his disappointment at what had transpired.
