The six fans ejected from the SCG for alleged racial abuse on day four of the third Test did not make any racist comments, two spectators within earshot have told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Play paused for more than 10 minutes on the stroke of tea when clearly agitated India quick Mohammed Siraj spoke to captain Ajinkya Rahane and umpires Paul Wilson and Paul Reiffel about the crowd's behaviour.
It's the second potential incident of abuse in the third Test being investigated by the International Cricket Council, after it was reported Siraj and fellow India paceman Jasprit Bumrah had copped racial abuse on days two and three.
But Indian spectator Rishi Aryan told The Sydney Morning Herald the day four allegations were incorrect.
"All these boys were doing is a bit of sledging of the player on the outfield," Mr Aryan said.
"First it was (Jasprit) Bumrah then they had a sledge against Siraj. They kept calling him Shiraz and all that crap. Next thing you know they said: 'Welcome to Sydney, Siraj' and then he got the shits.
"That was literally it. Then he walked off. I don't know why (the police kicked the men out). Next thing you know you see police everywhere.
"It didn't make sense. It was confusing."
https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1348031130709143553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1348118776009555968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/AlexBlackwell2/status/1348118373951889409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/TomMoodyCricket/status/1348119430149017602?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwAnother unnamed spectator also believed nothing racist was said, backing Mr Aryan's claims that the phrase "Welcome to Sydney, Siraj" was used.
Australian cricket great Michael Hussey spearheaded calls for serious action to be taken if racial abuse had been perpetrated.
"Get security around there and if there's been any abuse directed at the players, kick them out straight away," Hussey said on Fox Cricket.
Former England international Isa Guha backed Hussey up.
"One thing that is certain is that there's no place for racism, anywhere," Guha said.
"We have the right protocols in place.
"It was the right call for Siraj to come up and speak to the captain and umpire."
Cricket Australia today released a statement regarding yesterday's reports of racial abuse.
"Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour," head of integrity and security Sean Carroll said.
"If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket.
"CA is awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council's investigation into the matter reported at the SCG on Saturday. Once those responsible are identified, CA will take the strongest measures possible under our Anti-Harassment Code, including lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to NSW Police.
"As series hosts, we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent."
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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/cricket/australia-v-india-scg-test-mohammed-siraj-alleged-racism/5640479a-241a-4397-8982-9f5900beda91
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