Imran Tahir alleges fan wearing ‘Indian’ jersey abused him at Wanderers - See video

Imran Tahir, who has picked up just one wicket in three games and was dropped for the Pink ODI in Johannesburg, has released a statement alleging racial abuse by a spectator during the Proteas victory.

cricket Updated: Feb 12, 2018 20:45 IST
Imran Tahir did not feature in the Pink ODI in Johannesburg as South Africa stayed alive in the rain-hit game against India with a five-wicket win via Duckworth-Lewis method.
Imran Tahir did not feature in the Pink ODI in Johannesburg as South Africa stayed alive in the rain-hit game against India with a five-wicket win via Duckworth-Lewis method. (AP)

Imran Tahir, South Africa’s Pakistani-born cricketer, has released a statement alleging racial abuse by an unknown spectator during the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against India at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.

Imran Tahir, who was dropped from South Africa’s squad for the fourth ODI reported the incident to the stadium security after being subjected to racial and verbal slurs.

The leg-spinner was subsequently escorted by two security personnel to identify the man, who was removed from the stadium shortly after. It is reported that Lahore-born 38-year-old Tahir made no physical contact with the culprit. Cricket South Africa (CSA) is currently investigating the incident and is aware of the circulation of video footage featuring Tahir on social media and WhatsApp groups.

According to reports, Tahir assaulted a child for telling him he is ‘useless’. Then all hell broke loose with other spectators standing up for the child but no assault was caught on video. In the video, Tahir is seen arguing with and a group of spectators in the stands. At one point during the altercation, the Pakistani born spinner asks the adults if the child had any manners.

The South Africa team manager provided further details of the incident. “‘There was a mix of Indian and SA fans in that area. Going by what Imran said, it was an Indian fan who abused him.” The video apparently shows a gentleman wearing an India jersey involved in verbal volleys with Tahir.

As per the laws of the ICC anti-racism code, spectators who engage in racist conduct are to be ejected from the stadium and can face further sanctions and criminal prosecution.

Imran Tahir has struggled in the ongoing ODI series against India, managing to take just one wicket at an expensive economy rate of 5.42.

South Africa take on India in the fifth ODI at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday, trailing the six match series 3-1. The Proteas are alive in the series after winning the Johannesburg ODI by five wickets via Duckworth-Lewis method and will be making to make a comeback at a venue where they have never lost to India.