Two fans at the Rose Bowl in Southampton were thrown out of the stadium on the fifth day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand
As per reports, the two spectators had directed racist abuse at Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor. It is also learnt that the fans were seated in Block M, which is right below the stadium-hotel where both teams are staying
"We received reports of abuse directed at the New Zealand players," the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a media statement
Once alerted about the unsavoury remarks coming from the Block M section, the ICC asked the security guards at the Rose Bowl to remove the two individuals from the ground immediately.
"Our security team were able to identify the culprits and they were ejected from the ground. We will not tolerate any sort of abusive behaviour in cricket,” the ICC statement further clarified.
When asked about the incident in the post-play press conference, New Zealand pacer Tim Southee said, "It's the first I've heard of it. The game is always played in a good spirit on the field. We're not sure obviously what's happening off the field.”
Tuesday’s incident at Southampton was the second time this year that fans were removed from a stadium. Earlier in the year, a group of fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) were ejected during India’s tour to Australia after Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj reported an incident to the on-field umpires.
Meanwhile, the WTC final is now into its sixth and final day, which is also the reserve day after the first and third day was washed out. As per the latest weather reports, a full day’s cricket can be expected at Southampton on Wednesday.
Featured Image: AFP/ Glyn Kirk
