CSA launch investigation into Imran Tahir's claims of racial abuse
South Africa cricketer Imran Tahir was allegedly racially and verbally abused by a fan wearing Indian jersey, during the fourth ODI against India in Johannesburg. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has been looking into the matter for further investigation.
However, CSA is certain that Tahir made no physical contact with the offender and reported the incident to the stadium security following which the offender was ejected out of the stadium.
"Imran Tahir was verbally and racially abused by an unknown man during the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against India at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Saturday. 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.
"In accordance with the ICC Anti-racism code, spectators who engage in racist conduct are to be ejected from the stadium and can face further sanctions and criminal prosecution," CSA reportedly stated.
"Cricket South Africa has noted and is aware of the circulation of video footage featuring Imran Tahir on social media and Whatsapp groups," the statement added.
South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said, "We want to get an idea from the stadium security perspective, their input into what happened. Once we have an understanding of that, then we'll be able to have a better idea of things."
Imran Tahir has represented the Proteas in 140 international matches across all formats. This is not the first time that the spinner has been abused. He has faced similar incident at the same venue in 2014 and during the ODI World Cup in 2015, fans shouted "Why don't you pet your camel?" at him in Manuka Oval.
