'I feel it's not a fair world' - Jofra Archer reveals facing racial abuse after breaching the biosecurity protocol

England pacer Jofra Archer has revealed that he was abused racially on social media while he was in isolation for breaking COVID-19 security protocols. Archer was left out from the England side in the second Test against West Indies after he broke biosecurity rules of conduct imposed by the England Cricket Board (ECB) for the safety of cricketers during this pandemic. He was handed a fine and written warning by the ECB.

The young speedster had broken the protocol by driving back to his flat in Hove instead of going straight to Old Trafford, under the strict guidelines laid down for this series. He then was in self-quarantine as per mandatory protocols designated by the ECB during which he has been on the receiving end of racist abuse.

It’s a fickle world we live in: Jofra Archer

In a column to the Daily Mail, Archer said that social media was fickle-minded and that people would praise a sportsman one second and criticize him the moment he underperforms. He also mentioned that he blocked and muted a lot of profiles to get away from the noise.

“No one is going to be amazing all the time. Sometimes I feel it’s not a fair world – really and truly. Over the last few days, I have unfollowed and muted a lot of social media profiles to get away from it. I won’t be going back on it. I find it unnecessary noise. Take two wickets and everyone is back on the bandwagon again. It’s a fickle, fickle world we live in,” said Archer. 

The 25-year-old Barbados-born Archer has informed the ECB about the online abuse he has been facing over the last few days so that it’ll go through a correct process. Archer is eligible to play in the final Test which starts Friday after testing negative twice for COVID-19 during his five days spent in isolation.

He also explained how he was made to feel like a criminal during his time in isolation, stating that he heard the cameras clicking with every single step he has taken. Archer hit back at the critics for constantly scrutinizing his every move on and off the field. “The whole spectacle made me feel uneasy. I know what I did was an error of judgement and I have suffered the consequences of that. I haven’t committed a crime and I want to start feeling myself again,” said the pacer.

Archer revealed speaking to all-rounder Ben Stokes, and how the latter helped him with dealing with outside noise and supported him. “I spoke briefly to the doctor about how I’m feeling and also to Ben Stokes on Monday night. Ben tried to advise me on how to deal with being in the spotlight of international sport. He vowed to back me and support me.”

England have levelled the series after sealing a 113-run victory in the second test. The third and final Test will begin on Friday at the Old Trafford, which will decide the series winner.