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.