Mitchell Marsh says ‘no disrespect’ over feet on World Cup trophy gesture

MELBOURNE: Indians were felt sobbing after Australia lifted a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title last month.

In a one-sided clash, Australia restricted India to 240 before chasing down the target with seven overs remaining. Travis Head smashed a brilliant 137 off 120 deliveries to ensure the side doesn’t bog down to early setbacks and alongside Marnus Labuschagne steered the innings.

However, a picture following the World Cup victory created quite a stir on social media, with fans expressing their anger on Australia star Mitchell Marsh.

In the picture, Marsh could be seen resting his feet on the top of the World Cup trophy – a gesture many Indian fans felt was disrespectful.

Mohammed Shami – who ended the World Cup campaign as the highest wicket-taker (24 wickets in 7 games) – said that he was “hurt” by Marsh’s gesture during the celebrations.

Over two weeks since the incident, Marsh has finally broken silence on the picture. Talking to Australian media outlet, the all-rounder stated that he meant no disrespect with the gesture.

“There was obviously no disrespect meant in that photo at all. I haven’t given it too much thought, I haven’t seen a lot on social media even though everyone tells me it’s gone off. There’s nothing in that,” Marsh was quoted as saying.

Even as Marsh did intend no disrespect, a leader of an activist group in Uttar Pradesh actually filed a police complaint against the all-rounder last week for the gesture.

The complaint was lodged by Pandit Keshav Dev, the president of the Bhrashtachar Virodhi Sena, at the Delhi Gate Police Station in Aligarh.

Marsh was rested for Australia’s subsequent T20I series against India, but many of the World Cup winners including Steve Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa among others had stayed back to take part in the series.