Pro-Khalistani supporters outside the MCG.
Credit: X/@Ayaas_101
Indian cricket fans clashed with pro-khalistani supporters outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, during the 4th Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia.
According to a report in News18, the protesters brandished pro-Khalistani flags and raised anti-India slogans. In a clip doing the rounds on social media, a member of the pro-Khalistani group can be seen desecrating the Indian national flag.
Local police reportedly had them removed following the confrontation with the fans.
Speaking to news agency ANI, one fan said, "...I don't think any limelight should be given to them...Whatever they do, I think it's not worth it. They are just 5-10 people who have been born and brought up here. They have never been to Punjab and doing this nonsense agenda for themselves. Let's just not give any limelight to them."
Another added,"Who is Khalistani? I don't know who is a Khalistani. I am a proud Sikh."
The third said,"We do not support it. We have a friend who is from Punjab, he doesn't support it either...If you want to do any such thing, then go to India and then do it," with compatriot adding, "...It maligns the image of India...They are just trying to make this thing international, but this won't work."
In the match, Australia got off to a fantastic start thanks to debutant Konstas' fifty. At tea, they had reached 172 for the loss of just 2 wickets.