Herschelle Gibbs reveals why he had called a section of Pakistan supporters 'animals' in 2007

Former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs is one of the most active cricketers on social media. Gibbs is always at it on Twitter account where he regularly tweets about the latest happenings in the game around the globe and also frequently engages in Question-Answer sessions with his fans.

The former tearaway opener was one of the cornerstones of the South African batting-unit throughput the first decade of the 21st century. Who can forget the 175 that he scored in that famous 434-438 game at Johannesburg against Australia or the hundred that he scored in the semi-final of the 2002 Champions Trophy against India? Gibbs was also a controversy’s favourite child.

One of the incidents that the former opener was involved in during his playing career was when he was accused of hurling racial abuse to a section of Pakistani fans during the 2007 home Test series. During a Q/A session conducted by the former opener on Twitter, Gibbs was asked about what exactly had happened back then.

“In 2007 you were charged and banned for 3 matches by ICC for racist remarks you made to the crowd in defence of Paul Harris. What are those comments that you made?”, the fan asked on the micro-blogging website.

Gibbs replied that he had called a section of Pakistan supporters ‘animal’ after they had forced his son and his wife to move out of their seats in front of the players viewing area. “Called some rowdy Pakistan supporters animals. They forced my son and his mother out of their seats in front of the players viewing area,” Gibbs replied.

Herschelle Gibbs was banned for three matches for his comments

According to a statement released by Cricket South Africa and ICC back then, Gibbs’ comments were recorded by the stump pic and he was then slapped with a three-match ban.

“CSA has investigated the matter, and we have heard the remarks made by Herschelle Gibbs in response to verbal abuse directed by a number of Pakistan supporters at Paul Harris while he was fielding on the boundary. Herschelle says these remarks were for the ears only of his team-mates in his proximity and were directed in general terms at that section of the crowd that had verbally abused Paul Harris. He has apologised if he has caused offence to anyone.” CSA chief executive Gerald Majola had said at the time.