Colouring the Men in Whites

Shilpa Shetty is not the only coloured celebrity facing racial taunts. Away from the small screen, the gentleman?s game, too has witnessed a recent spate of race rows. Here?s a rewind:

Animal instincts: South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs got a two-Test ban for racist remarks on Pakistani fans during the first Test match. He allegedly called the Pakistanis a ‘bunch of animals’. Gibbs has since then apologised to the fans and appealed against the ban.

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The Terrorist: Not so long ago, the South African media and public made a hue and cry when former Australian batsman-turned-commentator Dean Jones was caught on microphone calling bearded South African batsman Hashim Amla ‘a terrorist’. Jones subsequently lost his job as a commentator.

Sledge like an Aussie: England spinner Monty Panesar was racially abused during a match against New South Wales in November. A spectator called Sikh Panesar ‘a stupid Indian who can’t speak English’ as he fielded near the boundary.

First ban: In 2003, Darren Lehmann was suspended by the International Cricket Council for five one-day internationals after his racist outburst in a match with Sri Lanka. The batsman became the first player ever to be suspended worldwide for being found guilty of breaching the ICC’s strict code of conduct rules on racial vilification during a game in Brisbane.