Edgbaston to have undercover crowd spotters following racist abuse during India Test

The thrilling action on day four at Edgbaston was marred by racist abuse from some sections of the crowd during the rearranged fifth Test between India and England.

Published : Jul 07, 2022 17:11 IST , LONDON

REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE: Warwickshire has announced measures to stamp out racism after several fans reported incidents of abuse during England's recent Test match against India at Edgbaston.
REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE: Warwickshire has announced measures to stamp out racism after several fans reported incidents of abuse during England's recent Test match against India at Edgbaston.
lightbox-info

REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE: Warwickshire has announced measures to stamp out racism after several fans reported incidents of abuse during England's recent Test match against India at Edgbaston.

Cricket officials are to deploy undercover spotters into the crowd at Edgbaston during Saturday's Twenty20 International between England and India to combat racist abuse.

Warwickshire, the English county whose headquarters are at the Birmingham ground, has announced several measures to stamp out racism after several fans reported incidents of abuse during England's recent Test match against India at Edgbaston.

Police have already launched inquiries into allegations of racist remarks made on Monday, the fourth day of five, which ended with England winning a dramatic match by seven wickets.

READ |

 

"Undercover football crowd-style spotters will be placed throughout the stadium to listen out for abusive behaviour and report it for immediate action," said a Warwickshire statement.

Stuart Cain, Warwickshire's chief executive, said the club had to do more to combat the kind of incidents that marred the Test match.

"Nearly 100,000 people watched one of the most exciting Test matches in recent history earlier this week," he said.

"But we cannot hide from the mindless racist abuse experienced by some fans following India in the Eric Hollies Stand.

"These unacceptable actions by a small number of people have overshadowed a superb sporting contest, and those responsible do not deserve to be part of the cricket family.

 

READ |

 

"We need to work harder as people, as well as a venue, to take responsibility for ensuring that everyone feels safe and welcome when watching the game."

The Bharat Army, the official India supporters' club, said "many" of its members at the Edgbaston ground had been targeted by "a very small minority".

The three-match T20I series between England and India gets underway at Hampshire's Ageas Bowl ground near Southampton later on Thursday.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment