Cricket officials are to deploy undercover spotters to the crowd at Edgbaston during the Twenty20 International between England and England on Saturday India To combat racist abuse.
Following reports of misbehavior by several fans during the recent Test match against India at Edgbaston, England, Warwickshire, the English county with its headquarters at the Birmingham ground, has announced a slew of measures to stamp out racism.
Police have opened an investigation into allegations of racist remarks made on Monday, the fourth day of five, which ended with England winning a dramatic seven-wicket match.
Needless to say we stand by our longtime friends @thebharatarmy And strongly condemn any racial abuse.
We look forward to celebrating the joy of Test cricket with them again today, whatever the outcome! https://t.co/1SOrFOFo7P
— Barmy Army of England (@TheBarmyArmy) 5 July 2022
“Undercover football crowd-style spotters will be held throughout the stadium to listen for abusive behavior and report it for immediate action,” a Warwickshire statement said.
Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain said the club would have to do more to deal with incidents affecting Test matches.
“Earlier this week, close to a million people watched one of the most exciting Test matches in recent history,” he said.
“But we cannot hide from the mindless racist abuse experienced by some of the fans following India in the Eric Hollies stand.
“These unacceptable actions by a small number of people have affected a spectacular sporting event, and those who are responsible do not deserve to be part of the cricket family.
“We need to work hard as a people, as well as a venue, to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome while watching the game.”
The official India supporters’ club, the India Army, said that many of its members were targeted by “a very small minority” at Edgbaston Ground.
The three-match T20I series between England and India gets underway at the Ageas Bowl ground in Hampshire near Southampton on Thursday.
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