Cricket Australia (CA) on Sunday apologised to Team India and said that they are awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council's investigation into the alleged racial abuse of members of the visiting team by a section of the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The Indian team had raised complaints of racial abuse from the crowd at the end of the third day in the ongoing third Test against Australia. The abuse had been directed towards the likes of Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.
On Sunday as well, Siraj raised concerns on the fourth day when play was stopped for a brief in the second session while as the umpires and security officials combined to take action, and removed at least six members of the crowd at the SCG. "Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour. If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket," said Carroll, Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security in an official statement.
"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," he added.
Play had to be stopped after the 86th over, when the Indian players made a complaint to umpires on the fourth Day of the third Test. Following the complaint, the umpire walked up to the authorities before the cops entered the stands to speak to spectators. The racist fans were soon thrown out of the stadium for their shameful behaviour.
Meanwhile, several cricketers slammed crowd racism after concerns were once again raised by the Indian team in the ongoing third Test against Australia at the SCG.
Harbhajan stated that he himself heard many things on the field while playing in Australia about him, his religion and his colour. "I personally have heard many things on the field while playing in Australia about me, my religion, my colour and much more. This isn't the first time the crowd is doing this nonsense. How do you stop them??? #AUSvIND," tweeted Harbhajan.
"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 please don't come and spoil the atmosphere," Laxman said in a tweet.
Virender Sehwag in his tweet said, "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."
(With inputs from IANS)
