www.expressindia.com - Weather | Horoscope | Stocks | RSS
expressindia web city
HomeBlogsCricketAstrologyShopping TendersClassifieds Opinions Jobs Hotels
Sign In / Register | Archive
Expressindia » Story

Jones’ 'terrorist' remark still hurts Amla

Font Size

Agencies

Posted: Jul 08, 2008 at 1100 hrs IST

London, July 8: Two years have passed since Hashim Amla was called a "terrorist" live on air by Dean Jones and although he forgave the Aussie cricketer-turned-commentator within hours of the gaffe, the South African batsman says the hurt caused by the remark still lingers on.

"It did hurt. When somebody calls you something like that you don't say 'Thank you!' That's not the thing to do," Amla told The Guardian.

Amla said although Jones apologised on the same night but the words that he used -- 'Sorry, mate, I didn't mean for it to come out on air...' -- suggested that the Australian star would have had no qualms calling him a terrorist had the mike been switched off.

But Amla says he harbours no grudge against Jones as the entire episode helped clear misunderstandings on Islam and its followers.

"When a guy apologises, even if it's that kind of apology, who is to judge but the Almighty? And if it prompts another person to make an effort to find what Islam means, then a lot of prejudices will be blown away," he said.

Recalling the incident, Amla said when he was told about it he simply laughed it off at first thinking friends were playing a prank on him.

"A friend of mine texted me and said, 'Listen there's a big thing back home, one of the commentators called you a terrorist.' I thought he was kidding. So I sent back a message saying 'Stop messing around'," he said.

"But when I went down for supper the manager told me what Dean Jones said. He said Cricket SA had already released a statement. I said, 'OK, cool'," he added. Amla said he realised the enormity of the incident only after Jones personally called up to apologise.

Discuss this story on expressindia forums
Post Comments
Name* Email ID*
Subject* Country*
Message*
Characters remaining
 
TERMS OF USE: The views, opinions and comments posted are your, and are not endorsed by this website. You shall be solely responsible for the comment posted here. The website reserves the right to delete, reject, or otherwise remove any views, opinions and comments posted or part thereof. You shall ensure that the comment is not inflammatory, abusive, derogatory, defamatory &/or obscene, or contain pornographic matter and/or does not constitute hate mail, or violate privacy of any person (s) or breach confidentiality or otherwise is illegal, immoral or contrary to public policy. Nor should it contain anything infringing copyright &/or intellectual property rights of any person(s).
I agree to the terms of use.

Latest News

Business

Showbiz

Sports

SC notice to Centre on Delhi HC verdict on gay sex

China objected to ADB funds for Arunachal: Krishna to RS

Top guns to sit on AI advisory board

We know talks are important, but end violence first: India to Pak

CBI waiting in the wings as CID investigates Ranbir's 'murder'

Varun security issue: Sushma not happy with PC's briefing

Hooch Tragedy: Death toll climbs to 86, bootleggers detained

More
© 2009 The Indian Express Limited. All rights reserved
The Indian Express Group | Advertise With Us | Privacy Policy | Feedback | Work With Us | Site Map