South African spinner Imran Tahir on Monday, went on the social media to post an emotional message after being ' verbally and racially abused' by an Indian fan during the fourth One Day International of the six-match series against India.
However, Tahir was not part of the Proteas squad for the rain-curtailed match in which the hosts have beat Virat Kohli and his boys by five wickets in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The 30-year-old also complained about it to the match officials that he was racially abused at the Wanderers stadium while he was carrying out his duties as the 12th man during the Pink ODI.
South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee told PTI, “My understanding from Imran's perspective is that he was racially and verbally abused by a certain gentleman throughout the match. He reported to stadium security stationed in front of the dressing room and two of the security personnel accompanied him to identify the perpetrator. According to what Imran said, it was an Indian fan.”
In a video which surfaced all overs the social media, Tahir was seen in heated exchanges with fans in the crowd, who were passed lewd remarks to the bowler during the Pink ODI. He also reported about it to Cricket South Africa (CSA) after which the Board immediately launched an investigation over the matter.
On Monday, CSA said in a release, “Cricket South Africa has noted and is aware of the circulation of video footage featuring Imran Tahir on social media and Whatsapp groups. Imran Tahir was verbally and racially abused by an unknown man during the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against India at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.
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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.”
On his official Twitter handle, Tahir said he is a very simple person who believes in showing love to everyone, noting never discriminated anyone based on their color or the religion.
His tweet reads, “Thanking everyone for your support and love really humbled. I am 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,”
Check out here Tahir's post:
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) February 12, 2018