ENG vs IND: 32-year-old man arrested in probe of racism saga during Edgbaston Test

Following the conclusion of England’s fifth and final rescheduled Test match against India at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, a man was arrested by West Midlands Police on suspicion of a racially aggravating public order offence. The step was taken after fans accused the Edgbaston crowd of passing racial slurs and showcasing abusive behaviour, during the Test match.

According to reports, the event took place on July 4 during the match’s fourth day of play. Later, photos and videos also went viral on social media. Following the complaint, the investigation team was kept in place. The incident grabbed attention and even the English Test captain Ben Stokes had his say after knowing about the matter of concern.

“Amazing week on the pitch but really disappointed to hear reports of racist abuse at Edgbaston. Absolutely no place for it in the game,” Stokes had tweeted after the game.

Meanhile, Warwickshire’s chief executive had also apologized, on behalf of the crowd, to those fans who had to undergo such treatment during the game. In order to establish what happened, West Midlands Police said they were in contact with the stadium officials. The department has urged anyone, who may have overheard racial slurs or gestures or who may have seen such things, to come forward.

Police officials arrest an accused

A West Midlands Police spokesperson while speaking to Birmingham Live had said: “We’ve launched a criminal investigation into reports of racist, abusive behaviour at the Test match in Birmingham yesterday. We’re liaising with Edgbaston officials to understand what’s happened and would encourage anyone who heard any racist language or gestures, or has video footage that could help, to get in touch.”

The force worked on the matter and arrested a 32-year-old man for the offence. Updating on the issue, an official said: “A 32-year-old man has been arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence after reports of racist, abusive behaviour at the Test match in Birmingham on Monday. He remains in custody for questioning.”