Former South Africa cricketer, Jonty Rhodes, who is also the fielding coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise in the ongoing IPL 2024, found himself in a bit of controversy following his remark to a fan on social media.
The incident occurred when a devoted LSG fan asked the franchise's administrator on Twitter to send him a jersey. The fan had been tweeting at the franchise, owner Sanjiv Goenka, Sai Kishore, and Jonty Rhodes for the past ten days in an attempt to catch their attention and obtain a franchise jersey.
Rhodes, apparently fed up with being tagged in the fan's post for ten days in a row, thanked the fan for his support but advised him to be productive with his time and get a life.
However, Rhodes was targeted on social media as many felt that his reply to the fans to get a life was a bit rude and it was the fans who made the franchise what they are.
The fan said across multiple posts: “Did this just as a fan. A lot of people do it. Didn't expect this kind of reply. I asked for a signed jersey from LSG for 10 days straight. Just asked for it as a fan; there was no need to be this rude man. If you don't wanna give, don't, I am not dying for it. And try and learn how to speak to fans and if you can't at least don't insult! Never expected such language from you @JontyRhodes8"
He also stated in a now-deleted post: “He could have just replied normally, I tweeted as a fan and I didn't abuse or spread hatred anywhere, If I can't tweet for my fav team to reply me, and the team's coach feels cheering for them is being jobless then I lost all the respect for him. Won't cheer for LSG anymore!!"
The retired South African cricketer was in no mood to let the social media chatter escalate and gave a sharp reply to the fan asking where did he called him jobless.
To this Rhodes gave a stern reply and stated: "Please tell me where I said you are jobless? Don't tag me in your countdown, if you don't want an honest response. I have spent time with acid attack survivors at Sheroes Hangout, here in Lucknow. These incredible young women have to wait between 5-7yrs before the perpetrators of these terrible atrocities even get to court to face justice. These ladies, I have lots of time for, as they ask for nothing, other than for us to see them as people, who can still contribute to society. They are on day 1500, and still counting, so think about their countdown, before making an issue about yours. However, I am sorry if I offended you."
