Birmingham Police arrest fan after racism allegations at Edgbaston Test

Following the conclusion of England’s fifth and final rescheduled Test match against India at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, a man has been arrested by West Midlands Police for a "racially aggravated public order offence." 

The action was taken after Indian fans revealed that they had been targeted by racist abuse from the Edgbaston crowd on the fourth day of the Test, which England won by seven wickets to draw the series 2-2.

Later, the photos and videos of the same went viral on social media, which led the Birmingham Police to file an instant complaint and launch an investigation. 

A West Midlands Police spokesperson provided an update on the issue, stating a 32-year-old man has been arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence after several Indian fans accused the Edgbaston crowd of passing racial slurs

“We launched a criminal investigation into reports of racist, abusive behaviour at the Test match in Birmingham yesterday. We’re liaising with Edgbaston officials to understand what’s happened and would encourage anyone who heard any racist language or gestures, or has video footage that could help, to get in touch,” said West Midlands Police spokesperson while speaking to Birmingham Live. 

“We’re aware of images circulating on social media showing an alleged offender. We’re making inquiries to identify the person and would urge him to come forward and speak to us."

“Anyone with information can message us on Live Chat through our website or call 101. Please quote crime ref 20-613293-22,” it added. 

Birmingham Police also shared the update on Twitter, stating, “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.” 

The embarrassing event also grabbed the eyeballs of the English Test captain Ben Stokes, who, taking to his official Twitter account, reacted to the incident and criticized the behaviour.

"Amazing week on the pitch but really disappointed to hear reports of racist abuse at Edgbaston. Absolutely no place for it in the game. Hope all the fans at the white-ball series have a brilliant time and create a party atmosphere. That's what cricket's about," wrote Ben Stokes on Twitter. 

Meanwhile, Warwickshire's chief executive, as a precaution, has decided to deploy "undercover football crowd-style spotters" in the stadium at Edgbaston, which will also host the second T20I between India and England of the three-match series.

The Rohit Sharma-led India won the series opener by a huge margin of 50 runs as the hosts bundled out for a mere 148 in 19.3 overs while chasing a target of 199 runs. The IPL-winning all-rounder Hardik Pandya, continued his red-hot form and was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding contributions with the bat and ball.