‘We have faced racism in Sydney earlier too’: Ravichandran Ashwin

A day after India
players complained of racial abuse at the Sydney Cricket Ground, seasoned
off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said this is not new and needs to be dealt with
an iron fist, PTI reported. 

On Sunday too, six spectators were
removed from the stands after Mohammad Siraj raised concerns with the umpires just
before the start of the 87th over. This resulted in the play being suspended
for 10 minutes.

Speaking at the end of
the fourth day’s play, Ashwin said the Indian players have faced racism in
Sydney in the past too.

“We have faced
racism in Sydney earlier too. It needs to be dealt with iron fist,” Ashwin
said at the press conference.

“In 2011, I
didn’t know what racism is and how you are made to feel small. And people also
join the laugh,” he added.

Meanwhile, following Saturday’s complaint, Sean Carroll, Cricket
Australia’s Head of Integrity and Security, issued a statement saying, “Cricket
Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behavior.
If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket. CA is
awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council’s investigation into
the matter reported at the SCG on Saturday. Once those responsible are
identified, CA will take the strongest measures possible under our
Anti-Harassment Code, including lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to
NSW Police.”

“As series hosts,
we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure
them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent,” he added.