Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

England captain Ben Stokes slams 'disappointing' racist abuse during India Test

Ben Stokes has condemned reports of racist abuse during the recent England vs India Test at Edgbaston.

West Midlands Police are investigating allegations of racist abuse made on day four by members of the crowd. One onlooker – who did not want to be named – captured the alleged abuse on his phone.

He told the Mirror : "Everyone was drinking and singing and we were right in front of the India fans. It was a really good atmosphere but then India took three quick wickets and they started singing back.

"They were still having great banter and it was really good natured. But then this one guy came up from his seat 10 to 15 rows in front. They started singing and the atmosphere just changed.

"The India fans were trying to take the sting out of it by joining in the banter. This one guy just started sticking his fingers up and holding his nose. A woman who was sitting two rows behind ran down and slapped his hands – it was not acceptable.

"The stewards went over and had a word. I stopped them on the way past and told them that it wasn't the first time they'd been doing it.

"But I don't think they did anything, they just said, 'It's being sorted'. But he wasn't thrown out or anything, he was just told to stay in his seat."

And Stokes has condemned the incidents, tweeting: "Amazing week on the pitch but really disappointed to hear reports of racist abuse at Edgbaston. Absolutely no place for it in the game.

"Hope all the fans at the white-ball series have a brilliant time and create a party atmosphere. That's what cricket's about!!"

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.