People Are Praising Joe Root’s Perfect Reply To Homophobic Sledge During A Test Match

They say cricket is a gentleman’s game. Which is mostly true. I say mostly and not completely because sometimes the dark cloud of ‘sledging’ can be seen looming over the horizon. When things get competitive, verbal exchanges and intimidation are inevitable. But when they are slurs or insults, they need to be nipped in the bud. Which is exactly what England captain Joe Root did.

During day 3 of the test match between England and West Indies, seamer Shannon Gabriel directed a homophobic comment towards Joe Root. And this is how he handled it.

"Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay."

Joe Root responds to sledging from Windies bowler Shannon Gabriel.

Full story: https://t.co/nRfSmWU5q6 pic.twitter.com/ghoDyGxUOi

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 12, 2019

The fast bowler’s exact words weren’t picked up by the stump mic. But the exchange ended with,

“Don’t use it as an insult. There is nothing wrong with being gay.”

In the post-match conference, he refused to divulge any more details of the incident saying, “Sometimes people say things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field.”

His reply has been winning the praise of netizens (even those who don’t follow the sport)

Everything you want in a leader, sportsman & person.
No song & dance, firmly but quietly standing for what is right; then tidying the matter up post match in a manner allowing individuals and Cricket to reflect on what should and shouldn't be acceptable. Majestic! @root66

— GolfAndy4 (@GolfAndy4) February 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/seanmaccaleeds/status/1095293550881918976

This is what being an #LGBTQ ally looks like. Thank you Joe Root. This calm and firm response will make a difference in ways we may never see and never know. 👏🏼 https://t.co/orDxTCfGif

— Kate Richardson-Walsh OLY (@katewalsh11) February 12, 2019

I don’t know who said what to whom .. but boy do I applaud Joe Root’s reaction here . For me his twelve words as a role model will be in the end more important than a test hundred or possible victory. https://t.co/QMDHhO3VAC

— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) February 12, 2019

I don’t care for cricket, but nice one Joe Root.

— Jim Smallman – ジム・スモールマン (@jimsmallman) February 12, 2019

Shannon Gabriel, however, faces an official charge by the ICC

Shannon Gabriel has been charged with a breach Article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The charge, which was laid by match umpires, will now be dealt with by Match Referee Jeff Crowe. Until the proceedings have concluded, the ICC will not comment further. @ICC

— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) February 12, 2019

For the uninitiated, Article 2.13 concerns with “personal abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire or match referee during an international match”.

I think everybody should take notes from Joe Root and use this comeback to shut down homophobic slurs both on and off the field.