Jofra Archer was allegedly racially abused by a fan on the last day of the first Test against New Zealand, an incident he brought to light on his Twitter account after the game ended on Monday.
A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team , the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy , @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 25, 2019
The incident apparently occurred when Archer was walking back to the pavilion after a 50-ball 30 as England were dismissed for 197 in their second essay, losing to the home side by an innings and 65 runs and conceding a lead in the two-match Test series.
The England Cricket Board (ECB) have launched an investigation into the incident, and England’s director of men’s cricket, Ashley Giles said that such incidents were hurtful and that the board fully supported Archer.
The 24-year-old, who had faced a similar incident during the Ashes, has spoken out against racism in the past, claiming that such people were ‘out of tune’ with the world.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket said they would be apologizing to Jofra Archer for the insults. "New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologising to English fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was racially abused by a spectator as he left the field at the conclusion of the first Test at Bay Oval," they said in their apology statement.
We are shocked and disappointed to hear of the verbal abuse @JofraArcher received after the Test today. @englandcricket might be our rivals but they're also our friends and racist abuse is never okay!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 25, 2019
New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson also said he would personally apologize to the England fast bowler.
The perpetrator had apparently been identified too as he had messaged Archer on a social media platform later in the day, reported ESPNCricinfo.
Archer received support from fellow Englishman, Marcus Rashford:
Unreal talent and already a national hero. Deserve better bro so just keep doing your thing 👊🏿
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) November 25, 2019
You still up for that challenge? 👀
Racism has dominated headlines in recent months in football. Bulgaria were fined by FIFA and were ordered to play a game behind closed doors after a few of their fans racially abused Raheem Sterling and other players during a World Cup qualifying fixture against England.
A lot of people have spoken up against racism and leagues and boards across the world have been urged to take up stricter action and formulate methods to deal with such incidents.
Read | Racism in football: Three instances where players stood up
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Michael Bradley
