Published: Nov 13, 2016, 06:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 13, 2016, 06:01 PM (IST)
A 24-year-old spectator from Hobart has been slapped with a three-year ban from attending any match in Australia after he drew a racist graffiti on the fence inside the Bellerive Oval, Hobart on first day of the second Test. The graffiti was apparently intended towards South African batsman Hashim Amla. The spectator will now appear in a Hobart Court. The Tasmania Police have identified the accused through CCTV footages and also through other witnesses present around him. Australia were bowled out for just 85 in their first innings and South Africa at stumps took a 86-run lead with five wickets in hand. The second day of the Test has been washed out due to rain. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test at Hobart
Speaking on the incident, a spokesperson from Cricket Australia said, “Cricket Australia takes a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour at any of our matches, which includes racial vilification. Our message to any fan attending a match is that if you display anti-social behavior, you will be removed and risk being banned from any cricket match across Australia, as well as police action being taken.” Cricket South Africa too released a statement on the incident. “We have been informed that the man has been formally charged and has been handed a three-year ban from the stadium. We thank Cricket Australia and the authorities for dealing with the matter in a swift, professional and stern way and for carrying out the full might of the law,” according to cricbuzz.com.
“From our point of view, it is disappointing and disconcerting because this is not the first act of racial vilification we have received while touring Australia over the years. It is unacceptable. There is absolutely no place for racial stereotyping and such offensive acts in society, let alone in sport.” Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test Day 3: Preview
This is not the first time Amla has been a victim of racial remarks. In 2006, Formrt Australia captain called Amla a “terrorist” when he was on air during his commentary during the match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Colombo.
