Indian Fans Face Racial Abuse At Edgbaston; ECB Promises Probe

BENGALURU: A host of Indian fans, who were at the ground on Day 4 of the ongoing Edgbaston Test, have alleged that they were subjected to racial abuse. Many of them took to Twitter to share photos and videos of the incident, which they stated took place in the final session on Monday.

“Racist behaviour at @Edgbaston towards Indian fans in block 22 Eric Hollies. People calling us Curry C**ts and paki bas****s. We reported it to the stewards and showed them the culprits at least 10 times but no response and all we were told to sit in our seats,” tweeted one of the Indian fans.

“So much for battling racism in cricket! Edgbaston was horrific today. So many complaints were made to stewards. However, the said person was not removed. So disappointed in what we had to face most of the day,” posted another persona called Reena.

“Might be a “small minority” but it makes it no less disgusting. Normal stewards aren’t paid enough to confront a group of rowdy, drunken, angry men. But that has to be a better way of escalating the complaint rather than letting it seemingly slide,” a user opined.

After these allegations gained traction on social media, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) swung into action and promised a probe into the matter.

“We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today’s Test match. We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate. There is no place for racism in cricket. Edgbaston has been working hard to create a safe and inclusive working environment,” the ECB said in a statement.

The Warwickshire CCC and Edgbaston Stadium also promised action against the culprits once they get all the facts.

“I’m gutted by these reports as we’re working hard to make Edgbaston a safe, welcoming environment for all. Having seen the initial tweets, I’ve spoken personally to the gentleman who raised them and we’re now speaking to the stewards in this area to establish what happened,” said Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain.

“Nobody should be subject to any form of abuse at Edgbaston. So, once we’ve got all the facts, we will make sure this issue is addressed swiftly,” he promised.

Last year, ECB suspended Yorkshire from hosting international or major matches over the handling of racial abuse allegations by Azeem Rafiq, a cricketer of Pakistani descent who was a former captain of the England Under-19.

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