Abusive spectators removed from venue
Some unruly spectators have put the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in a spot of bother when they racially abused few members of the touring South Africa team during the second day's play in the first Test in Chittagong yesterday.
In the follow-up, the BCB's security team removed those spectators from the eastern stands of Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium when the incident took place in the afternoon. While BCB officials were tight-lipped regarding the issue, sources revealed that the remarks were heard from the adjoining stands.
Upon being subjected to the remarks, the players brought it to the notice of the umpires, who later informed the match referee. The match referee in turn informed the BCB security team's chief regarding the issue after which those spectators were removed from the stadium.
Following the incident, several announcements were made in the stadium courtesy of the venue manager through the PA system, cautioning spectators against making comments that may hurt the sentiments of the players.
Such announcements aren't commonly heard in the stadiums and as a result, the repetitive cautionary messages raised quite a few eyebrows.
Security measures are likely to be increased for the rest of the Test match.
Ever since the arrival of the South African team in Dhaka, this was the second unfortunate off-field event that received publicity. Earlier, South African player Wayne Parnell had reported a phone call that was allegedly of a threatening nature.
The unfortunate event yesterday was a shameful act and was in complete contrast to the celebratory environment that Bangladesh's good run in the current series has created. Such incidents are intolerable and should be dealt with a firm hand.
One would hope that such incidents wouldn't tarnish the value of the series that has so far been played in a sporting atmosphere.
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