One of the Pakistan fan was ejected from Old Trafford during the fourth Test between England and India, sparking debate on issues of freedom of expression, fan safety, and increasing tensions between India and Pakistan. The fan, Farooq Nazar, posted on social media a video that showed what happened to him during the last day of the Test match.
Security asks Pakistan fan to wear an Over-Shirt
Nazar was spotted sporting a copy of Pakistan’s green limited-overs cricket jersey. According to Nazar, a security official came towards him, claiming guidance from “control,” and requested that he cover the jersey. Nazar refused and was subsequently removed from the stadium by police officers.
Lancashire’s Official Response and Apology
After online outrage and the viral video, Lancashire Cricket Club apologized. The club accepted that the situation might have left “upset and offence” and assured that it was never their intent. The club initiated an internal review and said they will re-evaluate their procedure for handling the matter in the future.
“A stand supervisor politely asked the individual to cover his shirt in the interest of his own safety and to avoid any potential escalation. Despite several courteous requests from the supervisor and the response team, the individual repeatedly declined to comply”
Context: Previous Incident Between Indian and Pakistani Fans
Lancashire explained that their tactics on Sunday were also prompted by an earlier scuffle between a group of India and Pakistan supporters on Saturday. When some of the watchers displayed a Pakistan national flag, this provoked tension with the adjacent Indian supporters. The incident was defused after the fans obeyed a request from a steward to put the flag away.
A stand supervisor respectfully asked the man to cover his shirt for his safety and to prevent any possible escalation,” Lancashire stated in their official release.
Refusal to Obey Resulted in Removal
In spite of what the club termed “courteous requests,” Nazar would not sponsor the shirt. Lancashire stated that his following conduct toward the stewarding staff was considered unacceptable, ultimately resulting in his removal by stadium stewards and police officers.
Ongoing India-Pakistan Political and Cricketing Tensions
This is in the context of tense India-Pakistan relations, fueled by a May military confrontation. The tensions have spilled over to sporting events as well. Neither the BCCI nor the PCB has hosted a bilateral series since 2012-13, and there has not been any Test cricket between India and Pakistan since 2007-08.
Neutral grounds have become the standard for India-Pakistan fixtures in ICC events. Recently, the rift was apparent when an Indian veterans side avoided a match against Pakistan at a legends competition in Birmingham, even giving up a semi-final match.
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