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Mark Taylor was disturbed to read Ravichandran Ashwin’s Tales of Racial Abuse While Touring Australia and the fact that he described the Sydney crowds as particularly “mean”.
The former Test captain urged authorities to “throw the book” on any cricket spectator found guilty of racism.
But Taylor also believes the problem is global and remains dumbfounded as to the motives of so-called “sports fans.”
“I am always amazed as to why people go to sporting events just to mistreat people,” Taylor told Wide World of Sports in stride. of a tumultuous third drawn test, in which Indian fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah claimed to have suffered racist abuse.
“I’m not against a bit of a joke, a ‘nice shot’ or ‘well aligned’.
Sydney test marred by alleged racist abuse from SCG mob
“A little sledding or a joke – as a player you expect that and you don’t mind.
“As a professional player you have to be able to handle it.
“But this constant abuse of people, not just in Australia, is happening all over the world at sporting events.
“I don’t know why people want to go, if that’s what they’re going to do.
“I think they should go do something else.
“Because at SCG there was only 25% of the crowd allowed, tickets were limited.
“So why waste them if that’s what you’re going to do.”
Cricket Australia was forced to apologize twice to India and the game was suspended for 10 minutes before six customers were removed from their seats by the police.
CA has launched a parallel investigation with NSW Police while the International Cricket Council has also pledged to support the investigation.
“Obviously disappointing and if it’s racial it’s the next level,” Taylor said.
“And they should throw the book at these guys if that’s what they’re doing.”
“I don’t know that at this point.
“But if you go to a sporting event to abuse people, don’t go.
“You are wasting your time and that of others.”
Without excluding Sydney, or Australia, of all blame, Taylor – a well-respected figure in the global game – said the problem must be tackled on a global scale.
“There are minority groups of people around the world who seem to enjoy going to sporting events just to speak out against abuse,” he said.
“It’s not just isolated in Australia, it’s unfortunately all over the world.
“I was disappointed to read Ravi Ashwin’s comments that Sydney was particularly bad.
“From a New South Welshman’s perspective, it really disappoints me because I don’t think it’s necessary in the game.
“I would like to see it eradicated if possible.
“But I don’t see that being a problem in Sydney, New South Wales or Australia – it’s something that can happen anywhere in the world.
“Players don’t have to put up with continuous abuse.
“It’s banal and a light on the game.
“The vast majority of the crowd just wants to watch some good cricket.”
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