Imran Tahir reported the matter to security officials present at the stadium. (Source: AP)
South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir became the latest victim of racial abuse during the fourth ODI between India and South Africa at the New Wanderers, Johannesburg. Confirming the development Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a statement which revealed that an unknown individual had uttered racially insensitive remarks towards Tahir on Saturday. Tahir immediately reported the matter to security officials present at the stadium following which the offender was ejected out of the stadium. Tahir does not face the threat of facing any sanctions by CSA after the board accepted his version of the incident.
In a video which went viral on Monday, Tahir was seen getting involved in heated exchanges with a section of fans in the crowd. One of them was wearing an Indian jersey. However, there was no physical contact. Later in the day, Tahir thanked his followers on Twitter by posting a message.
Thanking every one for your support and love really humbled.Iam a very simple person who believes in showing love to everyone regardless of country , color or religion.I have played cricket all over the world and have only made friends.Much love 🙏
— Imran Tahir (@ImranTahirSA) 12 February 2018
“Imran Tahir was verbally and racially abused by an unknown man during the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against India at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Saturday. Tahir reported the incident to the stadium security and was subsequently accompanied by two security personnel to identify and to have the man ejected from the stadium. Tahir made no physical contact with the offender or any of the children in the vicinity. The incident is under investigation with the CSA and stadium security teams.
“Cricket South Africa has noted and is aware of the circulation of video footage featuring Imran Tahir on social media and Whatsapp groups,” CSA said in its release.
“In accordance with 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,” CSA stated.
However, this is not the first time that Tahir has been subjected to racial taunts. In 2014, Australian supporters at the Manuka Oval in Canberra had hurled racial abuse at Tahir. Later during the 2015 World Cup once again Tahir was in the center of another such controversy when a fan reportedly said, Why don’t you go stroke your pet camel?” at him.