Birmingham police arrest man following allegations of racism throughout Edgbaston Test

Birmingham Police have arrested a person for “racially aggravated public order offence”, following allegations of racist abuse geared toward Indian followers in the course of the rescheduled fifth Test between India and England at Edgbaston.

The man, who’s in his early thirties, has been taken into custody for questioning. “#ARREST | A 32-year-old man has been arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence after reports of racist, abusive behaviour at the test match in #Birmingham on Monday. He remains in custody for questioning,” Birmingham Police tweeted on Friday.

#ARREST | A 32-year-old man has been arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence after experiences of racist, abusive behaviour on the take a look at match in #Birmingham on Monday. He stays in custody for questioning. pic.twitter.com/ROp6PVUsUz

— Birmingham Police (@BrumPolice) July 8, 2022

Several Indian followers had taken to Twitter to report the racist behaviour they endured in the course of the fourth day’s play on Monday night time. They had claimed that some British followers hurled racial taunts at them. England gained the Test by seven wickets on Tuesday.

“We’ve launched a criminal investigation into reports of racist, abusive behaviour at the Test match in Birmingham,” a West Midlands Police spokesperson instructed ‘Sky Sports News.’ “We’re liaising with Edgbaston officers to grasp what’s occurred and would encourage anybody who heard any racist language or gestures, or has video footage that would assist, to get in contact. 

“We’re aware of images circulating on social media showing an alleged offender. We’re making enquiries to identify the person and would urge him to come forward and speak to us.” In a slew of measures, Warwickshire County Cricket Club has determined to deploy “undercover football crowd-style spotters” within the stadium at Edgbaston, which may also host the second T20I between India and England on Saturday, to pay attention and report abusive behaviour.