“Don’t use it as an insult. There is nothing wrong with being gay”
England captain Joe Root has responded to apparent sledging from Shannon Gabriel by telling the West Indies fast bowler “there is nothing wrong with being gay”.
TV footage of Root, who hit an unbeaten century during the third Test in St Lucia, captured the moment he responded to a comment from Gabriel.
Though Gabriel’s original comment was not picked up, umpires are said to have warned him about his language.
"Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay."
Joe Root responds to sledging from Windies bowler Shannon Gabriel.
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— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 12, 2019
Speaking after the close of play, Root refused to elaborate on what exactly had been said.
“Sometimes things are said on the field but they should stay on the field. I think they can sometimes be caught in the moment and not always say what you want to say or think you’re saying,” the 28-year-old said.
“I think you should leave it there.”
Though reports claim the matter is now closed and no further action will be taken, West Indies coach Richard Pybus promised to review the situation if anything is reported.
“Shannon is a proper old-school fast bowler, I think we need to find out if there is anything behind the rumours and then we’ll address it.”
