Rajvi Glasbrook, a spectator returning from the second T20I between England and Australia in Cardiff, was subjected to racial abuse and sexual taunts by five men on the 10:30 pm train to Newport.
The men, who had also attended the match, followed her outside Newport station and continued their verbal abuse when she mentioned her intention to report the incident. She described them as appearing like a “normal group of friends,” noting that one wore a Hawaiian shirt and another a bucket hat, typical attire for cricket fans in England.
“It was obvious even before getting on the train at the platform that their behaviour was vile,” Glasbrook told Telegraph Sport. “The haranguing started as I boarded the train. The language and leering was abhorrent and sexually violent in parts. One of the men set a Lynx can aflame at one point on a pretty packed carriage.”
Glasbrook called the 101 emergency service of the British Transport Police, but no one answered. She told the paper it was “unhelpful” to be directed to call another number while already in distress, and added that she no longer felt safe taking the train.
“We are shocked” – ECB
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Glamorgan Cricket, the host county for the match, strongly condemned the incident.
“We are appalled by the abuse Rajvi experienced on her way home from this match, and would urge anyone who witnessed it or has any information to contact the police. Glamorgan Cricket has reached out to Rajvi, and we hope the perpetrators can be identified.”
Glamorgan issued a statement apologizing to Glasbrook, emphasizing that the incident did not represent the “civilized and good-natured atmosphere at Sophia Gardens.” They also noted that their “Safeguarding and Wellbeing specialist” was in touch with the victim.
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