Cricketer Jofra Archer says he was racially abused during England-NZ Test

Jofra Archer says he was subject to racial abuse during England’s final day defeat to New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.

The fast-bowler, 24, took to Twitter after the match, writing: “A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team, the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy, @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also.”

The alleged incident took place while Archer was trying to salvage a draw for England on Monday, batting for over an hour, making 30 runs, before Joe Root’s side eventually subsided to an innings and 65-run loss that puts the tourists 1-0 down in the two-Test series.

In a previous tweet, subsequently deleted, Archer further outlined the nature of the abuse, posting: “Can the guy that was yelling bbc and bc from the scoreboard area today come forward and tell me what those words mean please? Because I don’t…”

A statement from New Zealand Cricket read: “New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologising to English fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was racially abused by a spectator as he left the field at the conclusion of the first Test at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui. Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be examining CCTV footage and making further inquiries tomorrow in an endeavour to identify the man responsible.

“NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police. It will contact Mr Archer tomorrow to apologise for the unacceptable experience, and to promise increased vigilance in the matter when the teams next meet in Hamilton.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board have been contacted for comment.

Archer opened up over the summer about receiving abuse from a couple of spectators during England’s fourth Ashes test at Old Trafford, in Manchester.

“I was aware what the guys were saying — something about my passport — but I blanked them,” he said in New Zealand where England are touring. “It was only later that Rooty [the England captain, Joe Root] said the guys got ejected. It was the first time I’d seen someone get ejected from a ground, because there were some abusive fans when we played Pakistan at Trent Bridge.

“The world’s changing. It’s becoming more multicultural. A lot of people have accepted it for what it is.

“Look at the England cricket team — there’s huge diversity. It’s the same with any football club in the world. I think people have to accept it.”

More to follow

source: theguardian.com