Australian cricket fans have come under fire for a shocking and offensive chant aimed at Indian supporters during the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Tensions boiled over as a group of Australian fans repeatedly yelled, “Where’s your visa?” at a nearby section of Indian supporters, sparking outrage both in the stadium and online.
The incident, captured on video and widely shared across social media platforms, has been condemned by cricket lovers worldwide. Many have labeled the chant as blatantly racist, with some fans calling for strict action against those involved. Indian fans expressed their frustration, with one commenting, “This is outright racism happening in the stadium. It’s unacceptable.” Another fan shared their dismay, saying, “Racism is something I’ve faced, and unfortunately, it still exists everywhere. But this behavior is disgraceful.” Others called the actions of the Australian fans “embarrassing” and a poor reflection of the country’s sporting culture.
The backlash wasn’t limited to just social media. Several Indian news outlets picked up the story, further amplifying the criticism. A sports enthusiast quoted in one report remarked, “Rivalries in sports are fine, but incidents like this highlight how racism continues to linger beneath the surface in Australia.”
The unsavory episode overshadowed what was otherwise a monumental achievement for the Australian cricket team. They clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade after defeating India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Despite a shaky start chasing 162 runs in their final innings, debutant Beau Webster’s heroics sealed a six-wicket victory for Australia. The result marked a 3-1 series win, an impressive comeback after a crushing 295-run loss in the opening Test in Perth.
This series triumph is particularly significant for Australia. It’s their first come-from-behind win in a five-Test series since the 1997 Ashes. With this victory, the team now holds all major cricket titles—the Ashes, the World Test Championship, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The win also secured Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s in London this June.
However, the celebrations have been dampened by the controversy surrounding fan behavior. Calls are growing louder for stricter regulations to curb racism and ensure a more inclusive environment for fans from all backgrounds. Many believe that such incidents tarnish the spirit of cricket—a sport meant to unite, not divide.