'Pure racism': Indians insulted with “where's your visa” slogans at MCG during India vs Australia Test

Last month, fans of the Indian cricket team were targeted by a section of the Australian crowd during the fourth Test in Melbourne. A video of this incident has gone viral on social media amid the deciding match of the ongoing series in Sydney. In the viral video, Australian fans can be seen targeting Indian fans by raising derogatory slogans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, sparking outrage on social media. The local crowd could be heard chanting, “Where are your visas,” referring to the Indian fans.

“Where is your visa?” pic.twitter.com/foVQFkFUqH

– Auspill (@aus_pill) 2 January 2025

While the video was recorded during the MCG Boxing Day Test last week, the footage has surfaced on social media as India and Australia face off in the Sydney Test.

Here are some fan reactions:

Where is your visa? This is pure racism happening inside the stadium. Unacceptable behavior! #say no to racism #CricketForAll #INDvsAUS #AUSvINDIA

pic.twitter.com/aMLasrVaeS

– fan (@fan_cricket_) 3 January 2025

I've dealt with racism. It is something that will always exist. If you are in another country, people will discriminate against you. But it's important to understand that racist people are weak. Acknowledge and deal with racism and try not to react to it. Instead find joy in it if you can.

– Kritik Patel (@KP_BAV) 3 January 2025

Australia defeated India by 184 runs in Melbourne to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The hosts will have to avoid defeat in the ongoing Test in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15.

Meanwhile, India and Australia are tied in the ongoing fifth Test in Sydney.

Rishabh Pant scored the second-fastest Indian Test half-century on Saturday and gave his team a lead of 145 runs with four wickets left after a grueling second day.

The visitors were 141-6 at the close in Sydney, with Ravindra Jadeja on eight and Washington Sundar on six as they bowled out Australia for 181 in reply to the first innings' 185.

Pant signaled his intentions by hitting a six off his first ball, and reached 50 after just 29 balls with another big shot, clearing the ropes.

His half-century in just 28 balls against Sri Lanka in 2022 was the fastest for India.

He was eventually dismissed by Pat Cummins for 61 off 33 balls, but Scott Boland was the key player for India, taking 4-42.

Pant's exploits set up a thrilling finale, with doubts over whether skipper Jasprit Bumrah would take part further.

(With AFP inputs)