During the last two days of the ongoing Test between India and Australia, two “unacceptable” incidents from the abuse fans took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) which gained immense criticism from some of the former cricketers and coaches and an apology from Cricket Australia to the Indian team.

On Day 4, the play was temporarily stopped at the SCG on Sunday after the Indin pacer, Mohammed Siraj complained to the umpires about comments from crowd members in the stand near where he was fielding. The umpires, security officials, and police all investigated and six men were escorted from the venue shortly afterward. The play was halted for about eight minutes.

Unacceptable behaviour there is no place for racism, I hope this is dealt in the most severe way. #AUSvIND

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 10, 2021

The Indian skipper, Ajinkya Rahane and Siraj alerted the umpires to Sunday’s incident in the stands. Umpires Paul Reiffel and Paul Wilson debrief the Indian cricketers before having a chat with the ground staff, trying to get to the bottom of who was responsible for the alleged comments directed at boundary fielder Siraj.

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The security people focused on a group of four fans and another pair in the crowd who left their seats and walked out of the stands alongside the two officers. However, the Indian teammates could be seen offering their support to Siraj, as they spoke to security and match officials while pointing towards the fine leg fence where he had been fielding.

India’s coach, Ravi Shastri, Rahane, and vice-captain Rohit Sharma spoke to the ground and ICC officials, including match referee David Boon, before Siraj and Bumrah also came out and spoke to security staff. Security staff was also seen talking to members of the crowd where Siraj had been fielding after play, but there is no suggestion the matters are linked.

CCTV footage was being reviewed to assist the ICC and if those involved in Saturday’s incident were identified they would be banned from the “SCG and all Venues NSW properties”. Indian cricket legend VVS Laxman described the alleged abuse as “very unfortunate” and “rubbish”, saying there was no place for it in the game.

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Laxman had tweeted, “Very unfortunate to see what’s happening at SCG. There is no place for this rubbish. Never understood the need to yell abuse at players on a sporting field … If you’re not here to watch the game and can’t be respectful, then pls don’t come and spoil the atmosphere.”

Very unfortunate to see what’s happening at SCG. There is no place for this rubbish. Never understood the need to yell abuse at players on a sporting field.. If you’re not here to watch the game and can’t be respectful, then pls don’t come and spoil the atmosphere. #AUSvIND

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 10, 2021