Harbhajan Singh Speaks Out Against Trolling of Australian Players’ Families, Faces Backlash for Past Silence!
Harbhajan Singh, who previously faced backlash for his sexist remarks directed at Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty, has now criticized those who engaged in trolling the wives and children of Australian players following their loss in the World Cup 2023. However, fans remain unimpressed with his stance.
While Singh’s stance on the matter has garnered support from several quarters, a section of netizens has been quick to point out his perceived silence during the trolling incidents involving Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. Back in the past, the power couple faced relentless online attacks, with some cricket fans blaming Anushka for Kohli’s on-field performance.
Two days have passed, but the reality of India’s loss in the finals of the World Cup 2023 to Australia continues to be a bitter pill for many Indians to swallow. Rohit Sharma and his team had an impressive run throughout the tournament. Regrettably, in the aftermath of the defeat, some detractors took to trolling the families of Australian cricketers. Disturbingly, the wife and daughter of Travis Head became the target of sexual assault threats, prompting Vini Raman, Glenn Maxwell’s partner, to speak out against such vitriolic comments on her social media platform. Even Jimmy Neesham shared his experience of facing hate from Indian fans. The incident underscores the dark side of sports fandom and the need for a more respectful online discourse.
It is evident that a significant number of individuals are appalled by the derogatory comments directed at the families of Australian players, particularly their spouses and young children. Opinions on various aspects, ranging from the lackluster crowd reception in Ahmedabad, often described as a ‘dead’ atmosphere, to the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the dressing room of Indian players after the loss, vary widely among the public. The diverse reactions highlight the multifaceted nature of discussions surrounding the recent events in the world of cricket.
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh utilized social media to express his disapproval of the trolling directed at the wives and children of Australian players. In a post on the platform X, he stated, “Reports of trolling of family members of Australian cricket players are completely in bad taste. We played well but lost the final to better cricket by the Aussies. That’s it. Why troll the players and their families?” Harbhajan Singh’s comments underline his stance against the inappropriate targeting of players and their loved ones, emphasizing the need for a more sportsmanlike and respectful approach from fans.
Harbhajan Singh, in his defense, has not directly addressed the comparisons but has maintained that trolling, in any form, is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of the game. He has stressed the need for unity among cricket fans, irrespective of the teams they support.
The controversy raises broader questions about the responsibility of public figures, including cricketers, to address online abuse. In an age where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, celebrities often find themselves caught in the crossfire of online negativity.
Despite urging all cricket fans to refrain from such behavior and emphasizing the importance of sanity and dignity, Harbhajan Singh has found himself under scrutiny for his past comments about Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty. In a previous incident, he commented on a picture of the two ladies engrossed in a deep conversation, questioning whether they were discussing cricket or movies, a remark that many on social media deemed blatantly sexist. Now, critics are reminding him that even Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s baby girl, Vamika, faced nasty comments after the 2021 World Cup, and they point out that Harbhajan Singh did not speak up in their defense during that time. The controversy highlights the inconsistency in addressing instances of online abuse and the need for a more uniform approach to promoting respect and dignity in the realm of cricket and beyond.
Published by HOLR Magazine.