CSA defends Imran Tahir after allegations of retort surface in racial row

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have recently expressed their firm backing to Imran Tahir in the racial gate that sprung up during the recently concluded Johannesburg ODI against India. Reports had surfaced the media that the veteran leggie was targeted by a spectator who passed lewd racial remarks at him. Tahir was quick to report the incident to the ground security.

Later, he accompanied the security officials to the stands as well to identify the spectator. The CSA had later confirmed the news in their official statement about the entire episode. They strongly condemned such racial slurs. The manager of the South African team, Mohammad Moosajee, has now remarked that Imran Tahir did nothing in the entire scene and did not retort at the spectator either.

“From Imran’s perspective, he was racially and verbally abused by a certain gentleman throughout the match. He reported it to the stadium security who were stationed in front of the dressing room,” Mohammad Moosajee quoted as per the quotes in IOL.

Video footages show another side of the story

However, a video foootage went viral on the social media that showed the entire scene perspiring in the stands. Some spectators even alleged that Tahir pushed a kid on his way to locate the spectator. “I wanna see how he can abuse me,” an fuming Tahir can be heard saying. “Yes, but it’s not right what you’re doing. You’re a South African cricketer,” a woman is heard responding back.

“Obviously, that’s why I came. Because he was abusing me. Does he have any manners? I have a family as well,” retorts Tahir. The woman in the video can be then be heard quoting: “What kind of a sportsman is that man, he’s a disgrace to this country.”

In defence to these allegations, the CSA has released a statement assuring that Imran did nothing wrong from his side. Later in the day, Imran had also posted a thank you message for his fans who stood by his side in the racial gate.

“Tahir made no physical contact with the offender or any of the children in the vicinity. From Imran’s side he’s done nothing untoward,” Moosajee mentioned.

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