Published: Feb 25, 2016, 05:58 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 25, 2016, 06:00 PM (IST)
The Australian team and many pundits criticised the behaviour of the New Zealand fans throughout the recently concluded tour but in this case, it appears that the fan who abused the visitors was their fellow citizen. READ MORE: David Warner slams abusive New Zealand crowd for its unruly behaviour
A cricket fan reportedly abused Australian cricketer Josh Hazlewood and others during the afternoon session of fourth day of the second Test between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The fan was accused of expressing spoken maltreatment towards Hazelwood.
This resulted into an ugly physical altercation between the accused and the ground official, which was followed by the ejection of the former from the ground. Bystanders claim that the man was an Australian himself.
What triggered the fan was Hazlewood’s rebel while appealing for Kane Williamson’s wicket. The pace bowler also received the audience’s anger over this incident.
The uncouth fan in no time became the centre of attraction over the behaviour expressed the visitors by Kiwi crowds over the course of the summer.
Sydney’s Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that Australia are looking at minimal action taken by the ground staff towards the issue whereas some players have claimed their partners and children were besieged on many occasions.
But the the onlookers at the venue rubbished the reports and said that the fan who abused was himself Australian.
Alastair Smith was quoted in a report from odt.co.nz while he posted on the Veitchy on Sport Facebook page saying, “The guy here in the picture who got chucked out was an Aussie who was just heckling anyone he could with no real targets.”
“He was right in front of me and it was Kiwi fans who first asked for him to be moved. The guy was being an idiot, pure and simple. The rest of the 5 days I heard nothing more than banter. This report is over dramatic.”
Smith’s statement was supported by another spectator Jane Geary, who witnessed every day of the Test match.
Geary explained accused fan’s comments as “not abusive just annoying” and persisted that he was an Australian and not a New Zealander as was extensively stated.
Geary was also quoted in odt.co.nz while he posted, “Yes there were the usual dickhead comments. .from some guys who think they are funny . . but aren’t.” I observed this from both Kiwi and Aussies. But I can’t say I heard anything ‘distasteful’ .(maybe I was just lucky).”
“Though I did resort to listening to Wadds and Coney on Radio sport once his incessant jabbering became too much.but again not abusive just annoying. Also I wish the reporting was accurate from kiwi and aussie media on the guy thrown out yesterday. It was an Aussie abusing his own players at times,” Geary added.
