Twitter polarized over Warner-de Kock altercation in Durban

Australian vice-captain and swashbuckling opener David Warner’s history of being in the news for wrong reasons is a long one. Nearly five years ago, he was involved in a notorious incident at the Walkabout bar in Birmingham with England’s Joe Root. He appeared to have mellowed down in the years to come as he assumed a role of a senior in the team but that never took away his aggressive, in-your-face persona on the field.

He has been known to give a mouthful and be involved in initiating verbal volleys on the field which also makes the aggressive batsman a sight to watch on television for most people. Just yesterday, he was seen showering Aiden Markram with a long emotionally-charged spray of words after he was on the non-striker’s end when AB de Villiers was run out for a duck.

However, the footage of the off-field incident released after the end of play on Day 4 of the Durban Test between South Africa and Australia has brought him in the limelight for wrong reasons. According to a CCTV footage, players of both sides were walking back for tea when the opener directed a verbal barrage against South Africa’s Quinton de Kock.

The reason for the heated argument and Warner’s reaction is unclear but it is being speculated that it was a result of an alleged barb about his wife Candice. However, nothing can be confirmed until ICC and Cricket Australia shed light on the incident post investigation.

Social media, as a result, is polarized after this incident. While some believe that this is part and parcel when playing against Australia and should not be made into a controversy, others believe that it is high time David Warner is punished since South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was punished for swearing after picking a wicket some months ago and some also believe that if a comment was passed about his wife, such a reaction is not unjustified.

Here is the reaction of Twitter on this incident

Ugly scenes in Durban. Can only assume something very personal has been throw at @davidwarner31 for this type of reaction. Not a good look all round. #SAvAUS

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 5, 2018

Gilly- Warner crossed many personal boundaries with the South Africans, so we can’t be surprised when there is eventually a reaction. If players are happy to give it,they have to be prepared to take it,too. On both sides!
But agreed not a good look. #SAvsAUS https://t.co/obTo0GO2H8

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) March 5, 2018

If you had heard what Quinton De Kock said about OLEDs you'd have reacted like David Warner too. pic.twitter.com/xBowkTohiy

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) March 5, 2018

It does always seem to be David Warner who’s involved in these things. Edifying stuff in the Kingsmead corridor.

— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) March 5, 2018

Let's not rush to make David Warner an escape goat.

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) March 5, 2018

"He can be a bit of a fool at times. It's best just to let him be." – Graeme Smith re Dave Warner. Via @CricketAus

— stuart hess (@shockerhess) March 5, 2018

"Australian team 'RESTRAINING' Warner" pic.twitter.com/IvxV7TYRQE

— Fake Mitch Johnson (@NotMitchJohnson) March 5, 2018

Much like a barking dog is scariest behind a fence, it would be interesting to see what David Warner would do without his team mates 'holding him back'.

— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) March 5, 2018

David Warner (who has 4 Test wickets) bowling to QDK might be an interesting ploy. #SAvAus

— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) March 5, 2018

Looks a little bit like David Warner and some other Aussies might have crossed the line but it would be deeply wrong for any of us to rush to judgement. Best to wait for the official ruling from David Warner.

— Dave Tickner (@tickerscricket) March 5, 2018

Surprised to hear SA commentators expressing their opinion on Warner behavior which was unpardonable but let the commentators not forget match fixing originated from SA. Where were these guys ?

— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) March 5, 2018

How to deal with David Warner:
Kepler Wessels: "David Warner is not the scariest person I've ever seen".
Faf Du Plessis: Go and talk to him in your towel.#SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/WjfLJHFxrd

— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) March 5, 2018

Warner's aggression off the field is unacceptable. ?

— Sush? (@Cricketisluv) March 5, 2018

That Warner footage is extraordinary

— Daniel Cherny ? (@DanielCherny) March 5, 2018

Cricket experts defending Warner sledging/fighting with opponent.
Imagine if this was a subcontinent player, they'd have tore him apart with tweets about morals, ethics, cricket being a gentleman's game

— Abhishek ?? #408 (@ImAbhishek7_) March 5, 2018

"Davey Warner isn't the scariest person I've ever seen, so there's nothing much to worry about there." Kepler is the original hard man.

— Darrel Bristow-Bovey (@dbbovey) March 5, 2018