Lancashire County Cricket Club has clarified the removal of a fan wearing a Pakistan cricket jersey during the final day of the England-India Test match at Old Trafford earlier this week.
The incident, which involved a clash between Pakistani and Indian fans, sparked controversy and led to backlash on social media.
The fan, identified as Farooq Nazar, shared a video on social media showing security staff confronting him about his Pakistan cricket shirt.
According to Nazar, a staff member from Lancashire asked him to cover up his green shirt. When he refused, he was escorted out by police officers.
Initially, Lancashire stated that the removal was due to “unacceptable behaviour directed towards the stewarding team.”
However, the incident quickly gained attention online, prompting the club to review the situation and issue an apology for any unintended upset or offence caused. The club emphasized that the removal was not because of the fan’s attire.
In their statement, Lancashire clarified, “We wish to make it clear that there was no intention to remove the individual simply for wearing a Pakistan cricket shirt.” The club explained that the action was taken in light of a previous incident during the match.
On Saturday, a group of supporters waved a Pakistan national flag, which caused tensions with nearby Indian fans. The stewards managed to de-escalate the situation by respectfully asking the individuals to remove the flag, which they complied with.
Given this context, Lancashire adopted a “safety-first” approach on Sunday. The stand supervisor, concerned for the individual’s safety, asked him to cover his shirt to avoid potential escalation. Despite several courteous requests, the fan refused to comply, leading to his removal.
Lancashire County Cricket Club reiterated their commitment to providing a safe and respectful environment for all spectators.
The club has since apologized for any misunderstanding and assured that the situation would be carefully reviewed to prevent future incidents.
This incident highlights the challenges of managing a diverse and passionate crowd, especially when national symbols and rivalries are involved. Lancashire has pledged to continue promoting a welcoming atmosphere for all cricket fans.
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