BBL 2018-19: CA issues a final warning to the spectators after 'Its OK to be White' banner

On 24th January, Sydney Thunder registered a six-wicket win over hosts Perth Scorchers during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season. While it was an exciting match, but sadly, a banner in the stands meant that the match will be discussed for the wrong reasons. Three men displayed a banner which read “Its OK to be white” during the Perth Scorchers’ innings. The banner was displayed for five minutes before it was taken down but Cricket Australia (CA) has taken note of the situation.

A CA spokesperson revealed that the three men suspected of unfurling the banner were removed from the venue. He also told that CA has issued a final warning to the three.

“Three people in question were immediately removed from the venue and they will be issued a first and final warning from Cricket Australia,” a CA spokesperson said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The spokesperson claimed that CA has a zero-tolerance policy while dealing with such anti-social elements. He further added that the board is very serious about dealing with racial vilifications at the matches conducted by them. Spokesperson requested supporters and members of CA to move forward and report those fans who engage in such anti-social behaviour.

CA thinking about issuing bans

These banners carried the slogan “it’s OK to be white” which gained popularity in October. An Australian senator put forward a motion declaring  “it’s OK to be white”. This motion got the support of the Australian senators when they passed it. Later, the motion was rejected by the senators when they voting against second time around in the Senate.

The spokesperson further said that the cricket body intends to make their message loud and clear that they don’t support racism. He added that the fans engaging in such activities risk being getting banned from attending matches in Australia. “Our message to any fan attending a match is that if you display anti-social behaviour you will be removed. They risk being banned from any cricket match across Australia, along with police action,” he said.

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