‘Grow Up’: Australian World Cup triumph triggers vile response as wives, journalists and players hurled abuse
In a country where cricket is religion, some did not take kindly to their saints being vanquished as Indian fans chose to take the shine off the World Cup.
Following Australia’s stunning six-wicket win in the final on Sunday night some in the Australian camp saw their families targeted by disgusting online abuse as well as journalists and even a New Zealand star.
Glenn Maxwell’s wife Vivi Raman, being of Indian descent, was a particular target for trolls with Raman taking to social media to hit out against the comments.
“Aaaaand cue all the hateful vile DMs. Stay classy …” she wrote on Instagram.
“Can’t believe this needs to be said BUT you can be Indian also support the country of your birth where you have been raised and more importantly the team your husband and father of your child plays in.
“Take a chill pill and direct that outrage towards more important world issues.”
Travis Head, who was the hero in the final for his incredible 137, saw his wife Jessica and one-year-old daughter targeted with rape and death threats.
It wasn’t just the families of the Australian team with ESPN Australia contributor Steve Smith sharing some of the DM’s he had received.
“I hope plane crashes, all of your team die along with their family members”, and “if I ever see you somewhere, you’re not walking out from there”.
Host of the popular Grade Cricketer podcast Ian Higgins was told by one “fan” to “kill himself.”
New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham was also targeted as not for the first time in the international arena some forgot New Zealand and Australia were separate countries.
Plenty of other Indians also took to social media to condemn the horrid abue being sent.
“Dear Indian Cricket Fans - Don’t abuse Australian players and their families.. Accept the loss gracefully and move on..” X user Ramesh Bala posted.
“Feeling ashamed as an Indian cricket fan. Our cricket fanbase is one of the most toxic in the world. It’s unfair to resort to abuse directed at players or anyone’s spouse,” Vipin Tiwari posted.
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