The fifth day of ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final was marred with few people in attendance at Ageas Bowl in Southampton allegedly hurling abuse at the New Zealand cricketers, as well as racial abuse at veteran batsman Ross Taylor.
The security personnel identified the two culprits who were promptly thrown out of the stadium. The incident was brought to the notice of ICC by a Twitter user.
"Hey folks, is there anyone at the ground taking note of crowd behaviour? There is a patron yelling abuse at the NZ team. There's been some pretty inappropriate stuff throughout the day, including reports of racist abuse directed at LRPL Taylor.
I wish I were at the ground, but it's really audible through the live coverage. It's been mentioned by quite a few viewers here in NZ. Because it's only a small crowd, it's transmitting really clearly." Dominic da Souza tweeted.
The ICC team informed the ground security, who eventually identified the offenders and escorted them our of the Ageas Bowl. ICC GM (marketing and communication) Claire Furlong confirmed the development.
India leads by 32 runs with 8 wickets in hand at stumps on Day 5. The reserve day will see a minimum of 98 overs bowled (weather permitting) to decide the winner. If the match ends in a draw, the teams will be declared joint-winners of the inaugural World Test Championship.
(With TOI inputs)
