Four expatriate fans of Pakistani origin were arrested at Gaddafi Stadium during the final afternoon of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa for making racially-motivated comments and gestures at members of the South African team.
The four, sitting in the Imran Khan stand, were arrested by local security officials during the afternoon session , after abusing three South African players and officials who were on their way to the nets.
“They were making racial comments about the South African team and they are now in lock-up,” said a Pakistan board official. The remarks were directed at allrounder Vernon Philander, the assistant coach Vincent Barnes, and Faisul Nagel, the South African security consultant.
The incident mirrors the monkey chants directed at Australia’s allrounder Andrew Symonds during the fifth ODI at Vadodara, but South Africa, like Australia, will not be lodging any complaints. Michael Owen-Smith, the team’s media manager, said: "The matter was swiftly handled and we are not going to lodge an official complaint.
Re: Pakistan fans arrested for racial abuse @ Gaddafi Stadium
Australia’s allrounder, Andrew Symonds, was allegedly the target of racist abuse during the fourth ODI against India at Vadodara on Wednesday, after being subjected to monkey chants while fielding down on the boundary’s edge.
According to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, the incident occurred during the second half of India’s innings at the IPCL Sports Complex, in a match that was also marred later on, during Australia’s surge to victory, when a section of the disgruntled crowd pelted the playing area with bottles.
Sources within the Australian squad confirmed that the abuse took place, but have referred the matter to the local authorities who may, in turn, face an inquest from the International Cricket Council. “Like any cricketing centre in India, we would never tolerate this kind of behaviour,” said Makarand Waingankar, chief executive of the local Baroda Cricket Association. "Racism should not exist in India at all.
“We are a cosmopolitan country,” added Waingankar, “with many religions and dialects living peacefully together. This is the cultural city of Gujarat, and it would be a shame if that was to be spoilt by a few people.”
The ICC took measures to stamp out racism at cricket matches last year, after the South Africa team complained of crowd abuse during their tour of Australia. Under the new code, spectators who are found guilty of racial abuse could face life bans and the venues are subject to fines and the loss of international status.
Re: Pakistan fans arrested for racial abuse @ Gaddafi Stadium
what is happening in subcontinent.is it overeaction to loss by the fans?or is that fans r taking sledging of their players by white teams to their heart.
one thing to note here that vadodara/rajkot are becoming the most notorious center in india for crowd misbehaviour.in recent times many incidences were reported.
Re: Pakistan fans arrested for racial abuse @ Gaddafi Stadium
Interesting to note that the racist comments originated from expatriates, who I assume reside or resided in the west. And to think a good lot of them think they are more enlightened than the “Pakis” back home. Yeah, good job jackasses.
Idiots.