Australian coach Justin Langer has lamented the racial abuse against Indian players and said that the incident is shameful and uncalled for. Two members of the Indian squad were racially abused by Australia fans in the stands. The way the events then shaped up has been really disappointing and now Langer has put forward his reaction to it. Cricket Australia has already put out a statement and apologised to great friends BCCI over the entire issue.
Speaking at the virtual presser after the end of the day’s play, Justin Langer expressed his sadness over the incident.
Justin Langer Comments On Racism Row
“Sorry, it is upsetting and it is disappointing. It is one of my greatest pet hates in life, that people can think they can come to a sporting event, whether it is cricket or any kind and pay their money and think that they can abuse or so whatever they like” said Langer.
He further said that he has hated racial abuse as a player and is disappointed to see the practice evolve still in some parts of the world.
“I mean, I have hated it as a player, I have hated it as a coach, we have seen in different parts of the world, it is really sad to see this happen in Australia,” he added.
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Mohammed Siraj was hurled abuses just before the tea break as the game was halted for 10 to 12 minutes. Siraj complained of racial attack from a section of the crowd, leading to the expulsion of some spectators and an unreserved apology from the host board.
Siraj was abused by the SCG crowd after Cameron Green hit back to back sixes in his over. Standing at the deep, he then complained the onfield umpire against the crowd hurling abuses at him. This is when the entire Indian team got together with Australian skipper Tim Paine batting at the moment. The security personnel had to enter the stands and remove six people from the stands who reportedly abused the Indian bowler.
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Meanwhile, Justin Langer also lauded Australian skipper Paine for joining the Indian huddle while the incident happened.
“It was nice to have Tim out there when that incident happened today. He’s a class act as we know. The game of Test cricket is always going to be played tough but there’s been a really good feeling amongst both teams and let’s hope that continues,” Langer said.
