17 Most Controversial moments in Cricket History

2. The Sydney Riot of 1879

The Sydney Riot of 1879 was a civil disorder that occurred at an early international cricket match in Sydney, Australia. The riot was sparked by a controversial umpiring decision, when star Australian batsman Billy Murdoch was given out by George Coulthard, a Victorian employed by the Englishmen. The dismissal caused uproar among the spectators, many of whom surged onto the pitch and assaulted Coulthard and some English players.