Barmy Army's hilarious smackdown for star at centre of 'gay' slur
The Barmy Army have brilliantly trolled Shannon Gabriel after the West Indian bowler was accused of a ‘homophobic’ slur against England.
Gabriel was charged by the International Cricket Council on Tuesday for on-field comments he made during the third Test in St Lucia.
The 30-year-old’s words were not audible but the stump microphone picked up Root saying, “Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay”.
Root’s response suggests Gabriel’s slur was ‘homophobic’ in nature, and the Barmy Army let him know about it when he came out to bat on Wednesday.
The famous supporter group of England cricket made a few adjustments to their song list just for Gabriel.
The Barmy Army serenaded him with a number of gay anthems, including ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘YMCA’ and ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)’.
The ground DJ even got in on the act and played ‘A Little Respect’.
Unusual songbook from the England fans since Gabriel came in. 🧐
– A Little Respect
– It's Raining Men
– YMCA
– Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man after Midnight)— Rory Dollard (@thervd) February 12, 2019
Well played @TheBarmyArmy – Singing YMCA as Gabriel comes out to bat.
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) February 12, 2019
"Shannon Gabriel charged by ICC after apparent homophobic remark"…. He's just come out to bat and the Barmy Army are singing 'YMCA' at him… 🤣🤣 #WIvENG
— Jonathan Hutchins (@jvphutchins) February 12, 2019
LOLOL The Barmy Army just started singing YMCA as Gabriel came out to bat. Excellent trolling
— Andy Underwood (@aurum1313) February 12, 2019
Praise for Root over measured response
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, in St Lucia in his role as a television commentator, tweeted his admiration for Root’s stance.
“I don’t know who said what to whom…but boy do I applaud Joe Root’s reaction here,” Hussain wrote.
“For me his twelve words as a role model will be in the end more important than a Test hundred or possible victory.”
Speaking after finishing day three 111 not out, Root gave a measured assessment of the on-field exchange.
“It’s Test cricket, he’s an emotional guy trying to do everything he can to win a Test match… sometimes people say things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field,” he said.
West Indies head coach Richard Pybus, speaking at close of play, told BBC Radio’s Test Match Special: “Nothing has been reported to me but if a comment was made we’ll review it and if it was untoward we’ll be addressing it.”
with agencies