Fans at County Ground Bristol booed and mocked Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner by showing up in ‘sandpaper’ costumes during Australia’s fixture against Afghanistan in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on Saturday.
Australian coach Justin Langer had requested fans earlier to respect the cricketers but his pleas went in vain.
.. slightly better pic of the rough locals … my eyes didn’t deceive me 👀 #CWC19 https://t.co/QTIRL7aWr6 pic.twitter.com/8OzgYZ8I0e
— Sam Landsberger (@SamLandsberger) June 1, 2019
“You (the media) talk about earning respect, and I think it’s really important that people show respect as well,” he said ahead of Australia’s World Cup opener.
He said that the two players have already paid a big price for their mistake. “I’d be disappointed by any player being booed at any cricket ground, regardless of what country they play for. It’s never a good look when that happens.”
The opening duo returned to international cricket after completing a one year ban for ball tampering.
Amidst the shaming, Warner scored 89 runs and played an important role in helping his team win the match. Australia defeated Afghanistan by 7 wickets.
