Australian cricket fans have come under fire for an ugly chant directed at Indian supporters as tensions rose during the recent Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Footage shared online shows dozens of Australian fans repeatedly chanting: “Where’s your visa?” towards a nearby group of Indian supporters during the Melbourne leg of the Test.
It came as tensions rose on the field after teenager Sam Konstas took a hit on the shoulder from Indian legend Virat Kohli while on his way to score 60 on debut.
Supporters on both sides of the party criticized the chant, with many calling it “racist.”
‘This is pure racism what happens inside the stadium. Unacceptable behaviour,” said an Indian fan.
‘I have dealt with racism, it is something that will exist forever. If you are in another country, people will discriminate against you,” added another.
A third said: “Australians are just embarrassing.”
“The real face of Australian fans and their culture was on display during today’s Sydney test match,” said a fourth.
Australian cricket fans have come under fire after footage emerged online of them chanting “where’s your visa” towards Indian fans at the MCG (pictured)
Social media users called the chant “racist” (pictured, Indian supporters at the SCG)
“These Australian fans should be banned from attending any cricket match involving the Indian team,” said a fifth.
The incident has also made headlines on several major Indian news websites.
“In sporting rivalry, being synonymous with competition is not a bad thing, but the underlying attitude of racism in Australia is still much more prevalent than many Indians want to believe,” a sports fan told Tribune India.
The incident has put an ugly stain on Australia’s historic achievement of regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in 10 years following their victory in the Test at the SCG.
Chasing 162 for victory in the final innings, Australia stumbled early losing 3-58 before Beau Webster finished off a perfect debut by completing the six-wicket win.
Pictured: The moment Virat Kohli shoulder-bumps Sam Konstas as the 19-year-old raced to an impressive 60 on his Boxing Day Test debut.
The result completed a 3-1 victory for Australia over one of its closest rivals.
Beaten by 295 runs in the first Test in Perth, the victory marked the first time Australia had come from behind to win a five-Test series since the 1997 Ashes.
It marks the latest piece of major hardware for the team, which currently holds the World Test and Ashes Championship.
The victory also guaranteed Australia’s chance to defend the World Test Championship against South Africa at Lord’s in London in June.