Several Indian supporters raised claims on social media of having suffered racist abuse by a section of Edgbaston fans during the ongoing England-India Test. The England and Wales Cricket Board and Warwickshire have started their investigation on racial abuse on Day 4 of the Edgbaston Test, after claims surfaced on July 4.
The claims were highlighted by Azeem Rafiq, whose allegations of a history of institutional racism at Yorkshire had brought up the issue into wider public awareness last year.
A social media user by the name Anil Sehmi (also an official Dhol Player for the Bharat Army) tweeted:
“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 is to sit in our seats. @ECB_cricket”
The Bharat Army issued a statement as well.
The ECB responded with a statement, affirming its attempts to create “a safe and inclusive” environment.
“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,”
it read.
Stuart Cain, Warwickshire County Cricket Club chief executive, shared his opinion on the situation.
“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.
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.”
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