Australian cricketer David Warner needs to apologise in person and sincerely after his “speak English” comment during the One day International against India at the MCG on Sunday.
Australia won the tension filled match, but it was David Warner’s comments that made headlines. Warner told Rohit Sharma to “speak English” after a controversial overthrow incident.
Warner has since defended his comments, saying that Sharma spoke to him in his native Hindi, which he couldn’t understand. He then asked Sharma to speak in English. It is however the tone in which Warner delivered his comments that is under fire.
It wasn’t as bad as when Harbhajan Singh called Andrew Simmonds a monkey in 2008 but Warner’s comments, particularly these days, are edgy, and in my view not worth the risk and the flack that occurs afterwards.
In January 2008 the Indian tour of Australia was on the brink of collapse. The Australians alleged that off-spinner Harbhajan Singh had called Andrew Simmonds a monkey during the second Test in Sydney. Singh was consequently banned for three matches for the racially abusive remarks.
Similar actions, in this case from India would be embarrassing and a major blight on the game.
To some, Warner’s comments could be construed as non-offensive, even harmless, but who are we to tell another how to react to words particularly when apparently, they’re being said with a certain degree of pugnacity.
In the heat of the moment within a contest or when one is not thinking clearly words can be spoken that offend and embarrass. We must be better than that.
Sledging on the cricket field has been going on for ever, and as I have previously said I have no problem with a jibe, to gain a psychological advantage, provided it’s not offensive in a religious or personal way. And as long as the issue can be laughed about beyond stumps.
I can remember a number of years ago hosting a function in Adelaide and former Adelaide 36ers Basketball player Mark Davis was in attendance. Mark is an American Australian from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Without considering the consequences, or the audience, I made a joke that reflected Mark’s colour. It generated a laugh and I didn’t give it a second thought. I glanced down at Mark who was smiling.
However, Mark pulled me up after the event and told me he wasn’t offended, but others may have been. It was a poignant lesson.
It was a good example of words not sounding disrespectful to the person that mouths them until that person is spoken too and educated.
Warner was fined 50 per cent of his match fee over the incident by the ICC but he appears lucky according to former New Zealand Test batsman Martin Crowe. Crowe wants a cards system in place for such incidents. Two Yellow cards within six months and you’re banned for six months.
David Warner is a brilliant cricketer and brings so much to the game, he doesn’t need to stoop to these depths to gain an edge. He must now apologise to Sharma in person and then get on with the show.
Vivek
Guest
Don't coddle the Indians, I am with Warner. Indians do tend to be nasty with Aussies. Harbhajan did call Simmonds monkey, BCCI had to trope in Tendulkar to bail Harbhajan out. Simmonds was also subject to 'monkey' cat calls from a section of the spectators during a Test in Mumbai.
Logan
Guest
no chris the problem here is that an indian cricketer or any other language cricketer could be saying absolutely anything to him and I agree with warner. He has every right to tell him to speak in English. how do you know that what sharma said wasn't a vile and offensive comment in hindi?
Chris
Guest
read the article, no one who is using their brain is saying that it was the 'speak English' part that was particularly wrong. the only people who are arguing that are warner and a few jingoistic Australians who were dupped by warner into making this about the 'speak English' comment itself. its all about the way in which warner came over to something that was between other players and started being much too aggressive. damnit man you are being fooled by david freaking warner. the problem is he was being an aggressive little fellow out of all proportion to what was happening, thats what was wrong.
Sandy
Guest
Warner must apologise in person to potty mouth Sharma, I think not. Sharma should be given a big bar of soap.
Vistro
Guest
How many aberrations will Warner be allowed before something is finally done about his behavior? It seems that almost every game he's done something or another that he's 'sorry' for, but he never does seem to improve his conduct does he? A talented player he may be, but as an advert for the game his behavior continues to drag down what makes the game great for many people, namely, hard competition but always tempered with respect for your opponent. Things are only going to change when players get banned - not fined - for behavior than diminishes the spirit of the game. Time to start making an example of players that continually cross the line and to send a strong message that re-establishes respect for your opponent at the heart of our game.
ajay
Guest
doesn't care about match fees warner not sure about mcg incident but i think warner need to keep his mouth shut for sure he need to work on his temperament he is a match winner but why every time ? otherwise root will rout him !
Johnno
Guest
This is a real storm in the tea-cup, what makes this more laughable is the following. -English is one of the official national language of India, like Hindi is. That's right an officical national language of India, and Govt's Dept's in India transcripts are done in Hindi and as well as English -India is now a republic, and become a republic in 1950, and no longer owned by England -India is still part of the Commonwealth So for a true blue aussie to ask an Indian to speak in English as he can't speak Hindi, and English is one of the official national languages of India, i don't see the problem. If he is getting abused in Hindi by a bloke who can speak English as it's one of India's national languages how is that fair. If Warner ask too be sledged in English is it that big a deal. -Maybe the problem was how it was implied by Warner is he was, asking the Indian bloke to speak Hindi, underlying it in a rude and disrepectful tone, that's what I'm not sure about. If it was then that's wrong if not, then maybe he did nothing wrong and it's a storm in the tea cup.