Aussies are slammed for disgraceful chant at the cricket
Australian cricket fans have been criticized for an ugly chant aimed at Indian supporters as tensions escalated during the recent Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Footage shared online shows dozens of Australian fans repeatedly chanting: “Where’s your visa?” towards a nearby group of Indian supporters during the Melbourne leg of the Test.
It came as tensions rose on the pitch after teenager Sam Konstas suffered a shoulder charge from Indian legend Virat Kohli while on his way to a 60 goal on debut.
Supporters from both sides of the match criticized the chant, with many labeling it as ‘racist’.
‘This is pure racism taking place in the stadium. Unacceptable behavior,” said an Indian fan.
“I’ve dealt with racism, it’s something that will last forever. If you are in another country people will discriminate against you,” another added.
A third said: ‘Australians are just embarrassing.’
“Real face of Australian fans and their culture on display in today’s Sydney Test match,” said a fourth.
Australian cricket fans have come under heavy fire after footage emerged online of them chanting ‘where’s your visa’ at Indian fans at the MCG (pictured)
Social media users describe the chant as ‘racist’ (photo, Indian supporters at the SCG)
“These Australian fans should be banned from attending cricket matches involving the Indian team,” said a fifth.
The incident has also made headlines on several major Indian news websites.
“In sporting rivalries, being synonymous with competition is not a bad thing, but the underlying attitude of racism in Australia is still far more prevalent than many Indians like to believe,” a sports fan told Tribune India.
The incident has put an ugly stain on Australia’s historic achievement of regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in 10 years after their Test victory at the SCG.
Chasing 162 for victory in the final innings, Australia stumbled early, losing 3-58 before Beau Webster made a perfect debut by completing the six-wicket victory.
Pictured: The moment Virat Kohli bumped his shoulder into Sam Konstas as the 19-year-old raced to a stunning 60 on debut in the Boxing Day Test
The result completed a 3–1 victory for Australia over one of their closest rivals.
The victory, flogged by 295 runs in the first Test in Perth, was the first time Australia had come from behind to win a five-Test series since the 1997 Ashes.
It marks the latest piece of major hardware for the team, which is currently hosting the Ashes and World Test Championship.
The win also guaranteed Australia’s chance to defend the World Test Championship against South Africa at Lord’s in London in June.