Cricket chiefs are set to employ “undercover football crowd-style spotters” at Edgbaston to identify and deal with any abusive behaviour during the England and India Twenty20 match and T20 finals day.
This decision has been taken in response to racist behaviour being reported during England’s seven-wicket Test win over India.
Police are currently investigating the incidents and now these new measures are being made for action to be taken swiftly in a bid to stamp out racist abuse from the sport. Following the reports of racist abuse at Edgbaston earlier this week the England & Wales Cricket Board released a statement saying: “We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today’s Test match. We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston, who will investigate.
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Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain has revealed that these new measures are being brought in so that abuse is dealt with a lot quicker and that more work is needed to stamp out racism. He said: “We need to work harder as people and as a venue.
"Nearly 100,000 people watched one of the most exciting Test matches in recent history earlier this week. But we cannot hide from the mindless racist abuse experienced by some fans following India in the Eric Hollies Stand.
"These unacceptable actions by a small number of people have overshadowed a superb sporting contest, and those responsible do not deserve to be part of the cricket family.
"We need to work harder as people, as well as a venue, to take responsibility for ensuring that everyone feels safe and welcome when watching the game."
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change