For the second time in three matches, some Sri Lankan spectators went after Indian fans waving flags, mouthed obscenities and generally gave Indian supporters a hard time during the T20 match.
A few Indian spectators said that some Sri Lankan supporters were throwing beer cans, water bottles, and glasses at them. Some of these Sri Lankan supporters were in the Ministers’ box, and were throwing things, and mouthing obscenities.
“We were taken aback with the comments and requested other Sri Lankans to help,” said one Indian supporter, who was in the President’s box. No Sri Lankan from the President’s box moved. An Army officer who stuck up a conversation with the Indian supporters in the President’s box, moved away when he was requested to intervene and help. Police personnel, whose help was requisitioned, merely vanished from the scene. There were no Sri Lanka Cricket officials at the time of the incident.
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Similar incidents were witnessed at R. Premadasa, where India and Sri Lanka played two ODIs. After the fourth ODI, where India wrapped up the series, Indian supporters faced the wrath of the Sri Lankan fans. One official said that Sri Lanka Cricket had later assured that such incidents will not recur in Pallekele.