Even if Harbhajan Singh called Andrew Symonds a monkey, there was no need for the burly Australian all-rounder to take offence, former West Indian paceman Michael Holding said on Saturday.
"I do not understand how this (monkey) is a racist term. The scientists say we all came from monkeys, so
how can this be deemed racist?" the fast bowling legend said.
Holding also blasted ICC Match Referee Mike Procter for banning Harbhajan for three Tests on charges of racial abuse.
"This is absolute rubbish," he was quoted as saying by
The Daily Telegraph.
The Indian off-spinner and the whole touring squad are adamant that no racial slur was made during the altercation in the recent controversy-marred Sydney Test and have lodged an appeal against Procter's verdict.
New Zealand High Court Judge Justice John Hansen has been appointed Appeals Commissioner in the matter but the date for hearing has not been fixed yet.