CSA to probe abuse of Tahir by fan

AN investigation has been launched after an Indian fan was ejected from Johannesburg’s Wanderers stadium on Saturday for allegedly abusing Imran Tahir racially and verbally, according to Proteas team manager Mohammed Moosajee.

The alleged incident took place during the “Pink” fourth One Day International between South Africa and India, which the Proteas won.

A video surfaced on social media showing leg-spinner Tahir in an altercation with a cricket fan.

“My understanding from Imran’s perspective is that he was racially and verbally abused by a certain gentleman throughout the match,” Moosajee said.

“He reported it to stadium security, stationed in front of the dressingroom.

“Two of the security personnel accompanied him to identify the perpetrator.

“But when [Tahir] got up there, there were some hostile verbal exchanges.

“To neutralise the situation, they removed [Tahir] and brought him back to the changeroom.

“That’s what we’ve been told. There were definitely no children involved in the incident as has been reported on social media.”

Moosajee said an investigation had been ordered by Cricket South Africa to ascertain the details of the incident.

“The fans who were sitting there were [a mix of Indian and South African supporters].

“According to Imran, it was an Indian fan,” Moosajee said.

“We just want to get an idea from the stadium security perspective, their input into what happened.

“Once we have an understanding of that, then we will be able to have a better understanding of things.”

Asked whether Tahir faced possible sanction, Moosajee said: “No, not at all. From his side, he has not done anything untoward.

“He had reported it to the stadium security and he was up there just to identify the suspect.”

An earlier statement from CSA read: “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.”

South Africa and India square off in the fifth ODI at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth today.

India lead the six-match series 3-1.