7 times the stadium crowds shamed Cricket
Crowd trouble forced the play to be suspended twice during the 2nd T20 between India and South AfricaCricket, known as the gentleman’s game, has had many not-so-gentlemen-like moments over the years. While most of the incidents involve the players, the stadium crowds have had their share too, much to the embarrassment of their home team, stadium officials and board members. The recent crowd violence in the Sri Lanka-Pakistan ODI in Colombo is an example of this trend. The unrest in the stand had escalated to such a level that security forces had to intervene. There is a reason after all, to why there are so many restrictions on the items you can carry inside the stadium, including the very harmless water bottles and soda cans. That we got to witness first hand on Monday as a section of the crowd resorted to throwing bottles on the ground as India were staring at defeat in the 2nd T20I against South Africa, forcing play to be suspended not once, but twice. Here’s a look at the 7 unruliest crowd moments in cricket:
#1 Pakistan vs Australia, 2001 Natwest Final, Lords
The Australian team after winning the 2001 NatWest final against Pakistan were in for a shock, as a full beer can was hurled at them. The team was out in the balcony of the Lord’s stadium for the presentation ceremony, when the beer can hit Michael Bevan straight in the face. This prompted skipper Steve Waugh to call off the Presentation ceremony and get his team off the podium.
He later went on to say that somebody could killed if no action is taken.
Speaking on the incident Bevan said, "It's very sad, but maybe, in a way, you can turn it into a positive. Maybe we've reached the lowest point with the spectators, and something will be done and it will be recognised that there are problems, and precautions have got to be taken.”