Lancashire County Cricket Club say they are looking into footage which shows a fan appearing to be told to ‘cover’ his Pakistan shirt at the England v India test match.
Emirates Old Trafford last week played host to the five-day game between the countries which finished yesterday evening (Sunday).
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There was a bumper crowd in attendance as England looked to force a victory and wrap up the five-match series.
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India however held on for a draw meaning England take a 2-1 lead into the decider at The Oval in London starting on Thursday.
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Footage has now emerged of a dispute in the stands it is claimed arose from a fan wearing a Pakistan shirt at the game.
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The clip, which is circulating on social media, shows a man wearing the famous green coloured shirt of the country’s cricket team being approached by a man who says he works for Lancashire.
A screengrab from the video said to have been filmed at Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday -Credit:Unknown
When the fan asks if he has to cover the shirt, the employee, wearing an orange flourescent jacket, says ‘yes please.’
The fan asks for a written explanation before the footage cuts to three further members of security becoming involved.
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One tells him it ‘could be considered antagnoistic’ and ‘we have asked you to put your coat on.’
The fan refuses saying ‘No, no, this is my proud country.’
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He refuses requests to continue the discussion outside the stand saying ‘take me with the force, if you can.’
Security were said to have become involved -Credit:Unknown
He says ‘everyone is representing their country’ and ‘you are taking me out without any reason’ as he claims that no ‘Indian crowd have complained about me.’
India and Pakistan are historic rivals both on and off the cricket field. There have been long-standing political tensions between the two countries including an armed conflict earlier this year.
The two sides haven’t played a bilateral series in over a decade and they currently only meet in international tournaments on neutral territory.
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The man is informed it is ‘ground regulations’ before two police officers become involved and ask him to leave the stand for a ‘chat.’
The footage cuts off and it is not clear how the situation was resolved.
Lancashire and Pakistan legend Wasim Akram ringing the bell for the start of play on day three of the test match -Credit:Getty Images
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been approached for comment.
A spectator guide for the test match at Edgbaston earlier in the series stated: “Only flags, clothing and banners related to the England or India cricket teams are permitted in the stadium—any items that do not comply with this must be removed and will not be allowed to enter the Stadium.”
It is not clear what Lancashire’s policy was for the match.
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When approached by the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for the club said: ’We are aware of the incident referenced and are taking steps to understand the facts and context surrounding the matter fully.’’
There has been criticism of the intervention online.
The match finished in a draw -Credit:Popperfoto via Getty Images
Stand-up comic and cricket commentator Aatif Nawaz said on X, formerly Twitter, said: “How can it be in any way wrong to wear a cricket shirt to a cricket match?
“Are we setting new rules where you can only wear the shirts of the two teams playing?
“Because I promise you, that happens at almost every match, international or domestic in the country.
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“This man wasn’t being antagonistic. He wasn’t bothering anyone. Noone appears to have made a complaint.
“Why was he treated in this way? Earlier the same day, Wasim Akram, a Lancashire legend, rang the bell. Which country is he from again?”
He later added: “Cricket as a sport has to put itself above the childish scene from Old Trafford today. All cricket lovers should always be welcome at the cricket.
“Wearing a cricket shirt, any shirt, makes you part of that community of cricket lovers.
“Those who wish to isolate someone like that don’t have what’s best for the game in their hearts. We need to use the sport of cricket to build bridges, not destroy them.”
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However others said they understood the move.
One fan said: “Could you imagine a footy fan wearing a Man City jersey when attending Liverpool v Man Utd? Arch rivals. Riles up fans due to rivalry. Why is it any different in cricket?”
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