Ricky Ponting has asked Australian fans to forget about the racism row that simmered during the recent ODI series when India visit Australia later this year. Andrew Symonds was subjected to monkey chants from the crowd at Vadodara and Mumbai but he still scored 365 runs in the seven ODIs and was named Player of the Series.
“I’d like to see the Australian fans and public treat the Indian team the same way they would any other team,” Ponting told AAP after arriving back in Australia. "I don’t think they should be treated any differently because of what’s happened over there.
“I’m sure that at different times Sreesanth and a few of the guys will cop a hard time from the Australian fans. That will generally happen at some stage to most teams that tour here, but I just hope - I’ll keep my fingers crossed - there’s no racial stuff comes up at all through the summer.”
Ponting expected the Indian players would be embarrassed by the crowds’ behaviour, just as he would be if the same happened in Australia. The Daily Telegraph reported that during Saturday’s Twenty20 match at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium calls of “go home Symonds” and “Symonds sucks” were heard from the crowd.
“I am not sure why every time Symmo’s name is mentioned or he comes on the screen that they boo him,” Ponting said in the paper. “I actually think he has entertained the crowd quite well here over the past couple of weeks.”
Symonds said all he wanted was consistency from cricket’s governing bodies in dealing with racism, and he realised the offensive actions of some fans were not representative of India as a whole. “Over the past three days I have had Indian people ringing and apologising about the way they perceive I have been treated and saying, ‘We don’t feel this way towards you’,” Symonds said.
While Symonds has been at the centre of the racism controversy in India, Cricket Australia has scrapped its plans to use him as the face of their campaign for improved crowd behaviour this summer. Instead a retired larrikin-like player will probably be sought to lead the appeal, which will focus not only on racism but also other crowd activities.
Re: Ponting calls for calm from Australian fans during the homes series against India
more than that, I wonder what will Srisanth and Bhaji get from Aus spectators (and players)
Dont think Bhaji will be in problem and he shouldn't be. He got invloved in something which is not uncommon during a competitive situation/match/series. However I won't be surprised to see australian crowd welcoming Shreesanth "graciously" after his stunts.
Re: Ponting calls for calm from Australian fans during the homes series against India
huh?
this implies that the australian fans were deeply offended by the racist behavior and would want to retaliate.
of course this would be logical if it weren't for one tiny problem: australians are some of the most racist people on earth. i doubt many tears were shed for symonds down under.
Re: Ponting calls for calm from Australian fans during the homes series against India
^^ It could be a case of retaliate but what I am saying is the Aussies are not angels, they are racist as well so it will be interesting to see how much they live up to their racism. Thats why the Indians will get a warm welcome :) or maybe HOT welcome :)
Re: Ponting calls for calm from Australian fans during the homes series against India
huh?
this implies that the australian fans were deeply offended by the racist behavior and would want to retaliate.
of course this would be logical if it weren't for one tiny problem: australians are some of the most racist people on earth. i doubt many tears were shed for symonds down under.
Nikhil, no doubt players have been subjected to racism/abuse by Aussie fans in the past and in my opinion Australians while whinning about Indian crowd have totally forgotten about what their fans did to South Africans/kiwis and specially Murali. Having said that I am not giving any justification for Indian crowd. Two wrongs dont make a right. Some of the Pakistans fans were involved in similar activities on a smaller scale during the recent series. Such folks should be simply banned from ever entering a stadium.
However knowing the nature of australian fans, they would be extra sweet towards Sreesanth, who acted like a total idiot during the recently concluded series.
Re: Ponting calls for calm from Australian fans during the homes series against India
Nikhil, no doubt players have been subjected to racism/abuse by Aussie fans in the past and in my opinion Australians while whinning about Indian crowd have totally forgotten about what their fans did to South Africans/kiwis and specially Murali. Having said that I am not giving any justification for Indian crowd. Two wrongs dont make a right. Some of the Pakistans fans were involved in similar activities on a smaller scale during the recent series. Such folks should be simply banned from ever entering a stadium.
However knowing the nature of australian fans, they would be extra sweet towards Sreesanth, who acted like a total idiot during the recently concluded series.
i don't have any problem with australian fans harassing sreesanth so long as the harassment is not related to race. in fact, i think many criticisms hurled at aggressive crowds are not warranted. i think fans have an obligation to unsettle visiting teams with as much noise, chanting, and energy as possible. if cricket wants to be taken seriously as a legitimate international sport, it can't remain a tea-and-crumpets old boy's game forever.
however, i certainly don't think monkey chants fall within the acceptable range of fan behavior. all i'm saying is that ponting sounds ridiculous given australia's severe problems with racism. many australians would be quicker to call symonds a monkey than those indian fans that got arrested.
Re: Ponting calls for calm from Australian fans during the homes series against India
It will be interesting to see how Sreesanth handles the Australian crowd. Either he'll earn some respect in my eyes or lose whatever is left. May be he even wont go to Australia.
Re: Ponting calls for calm from Australian fans during the homes series against India
poor guy Ponting! Even after winning odi they had to return with their tail between the legs! That's what happens if you mess with India - we can win even when we lose! Hope Pakistan players are reading this!