Kane Williamson apologises to Jofra Archer for racism incident

Jofra Archer has alleged that one spectator hurled racial insults at him at the end of the first Test, which England lost by an innings and 65 runs.

England pacer Jofra Archer’s allegations of racial abuse by a Kiwi fan has created a stir in New Zealand cricket. Jofra tweeted on Monday, saying that he faced racial abuse during a Test match in Mount Maunganui. A shocked New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has apologized to Jofra, saying the incident was “against everything that Kiwis are about”.

Archer has said that one spectator hurled racial insults at him at the end of the first Test, which England lost by an innings and 65 runs on Monday. His assertion prompted New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to offer an apology and start an investigation.

“It’s certainly against everything that we as Kiwis are about, and I certainly hope that nothing like that ever happens again,” Williamson told ‘Stuff.co.nz’. “I can only apologise on behalf of Kiwis to Jofra, not only from our team and how we look to conduct ourselves, but what we expect of Kiwis in general,” he added.

Williamson also said that New Zealand is a respectful multi-cultural society in which racial abuse has no place.  “It’s a horrific thing. In a country, and a setting where it is very much multi-cultural, it’s something we need to put to bed quickly and hope nothing like that ever happens again. It certainly won’t if there’s any influence we can have on it,” he added.

“Was I shocked? Absolutely, 100 percent. I will try see him over the next few days if I can, definitely,” he said.  The NZC earlier said it has zero tolerance towards such an incident. “NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police,” it said.

Meanwhile, taking a touch stance New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White has vowed to throw the book at the spectator that racially abused Jofra Archer, revealing he could receive a life ban from attending matches in this country.