A popular and dynamic Indian journalist was targeted by racist football fans after making the draw before an AFL match.
Bharat Sunday, a writer, commentator and respected author, was invited to draw lots in the AFL Round Six match between Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney.
The match was part of the new AFL cultural heritage series, which celebrates cultural diversity through home matches nominated at the club, developing the former multicultural tower of the League.
Sunday, known for his colorful outfits and his vibrant personality in addition to his cricket expertise, adopted the opportunity.
Bearing his brand outfit, he slipped with playful with an imaginary toothpack in his sock before throwing the medal, imitating a routine often seen by AFL players.
After the game, Sunday shared his enthusiasm on social networks, writing: “The surreal experience being at the center of a @theadelaideoval wrapped to launch the room”.
The sports journalist Bharat Sunday was invited to draw lots before the AFL confrontation between Adelaide and GWS last weekend
Sunday (photo with Port Adelaide Stars Connor Rozee, on the left, and Zak Butters) is mainly a cricket journalist, but fell in love with Australian rules since her move to Australia in 2018
Sunday, represented with the Indian legend of Cricket Ravi Shastri, is respected by fans in India and Australia
“ I also felt my best chance of carrying a button to enter my sock before letting it turn like a football star before kicking for the goal #AFLCROWSGIANTS @ADELAIDE_FC ‘
But what was intended at a nod that respects football culture quickly attracted a wave of negative and even racist buttresses from certain online users.
Comments such as “you therefore decided to bring your underwear / pajamas to football, how disrespectful” and “what a shame. Adelaide should be ashamed “appeared under his post.
Certain responses have been racily loaded and too vile to publish.
Despite the abuses, Sunday responded with dignity, displaying: “Strange how a simple draw can arouse so much hatred. All I wanted to say was to celebrate the meaning of the community that Footy brings.
“ But if anything, it only reinforces my love for the game – because for me, it is always a question of belonging, no bitterness @Afl ‘
Sunday has lived in Adelaide since 2018 and is the Australian correspondent for Cricbuzz and commentator of Sen Radio.
He previously worked for more than a decade at the Indian Express, covering cricket worldwide.
Sunday is known for his love for bright colors and always makes a statement with her outfit
Sunday rippled to football fans who have chosen to publish racist comments under the vision of the draw
He is also the author of the Dhoni Touch, a bestseller in India, and co-author of Believe with Suresh Raina.
His in -depth knowledge of the game, the narration capacity and his passion for sport earned him admiration in the communities of Indian and Australian cricket.
Many football fans have come to his defense, praising his positivity and calling on unjustified abuse.
“I love what you bring to the cricket community and I also like what you bring to football. You are a brilliant light in a negative world ” wrote a supporter.
Another simply said, “Continue to be your companion”.
A third added: “Go guy … You are a death legend.
The AFL cultural heritage series aims to create more inclusive day experiences that celebrate cultural diversity through food, art, music and language.
Nine matches have been selected for the series, each aligned with cultural events and festivals.
The series is financed jointly by clubs and AFL, and includes guides and MC in various languages.
