Chris Gayle issues rant to critics in Australia
Thursday 21 January 2016 09:28, UK
Chris Gayle has issued an explicit rant to his critics in Australia, but says he would want to play in the Big Bash again.
The West Indian batsman, who has just finished playing for the Melbourne Renegedes in the Big Bash League, was criticised by pundits and ex-players after he asked a female TV reporter out for a drink live on air.
The Renegades punished Gayle with a £4,843 fine and described his comments as "completely inappropriate and disrespectful".
As he prepared to leave the country, Gayle thanked his fans on Instagram and then said: "I think a lot of past and present cricketers, who smile in front my face, could've have there (sic) say in public when my so called issue was going on.
"But you all don't have the ***** to stand firm when it matters, but when hen you see me you're like, Chris that's ** against you, it was blown out of proportion.
"The past cricketer who said I make myself look like a chop, the other who claimed I was no good to the youngsters while playing for the thunder, the next one who said he expected that sort of behavior from Chris - You all can kiss my black ****.
"I love Australia and I will be back again. The real people who stand by Gayle worldwide through the so called ** against me in the media - thank you all."
The former cricketer in question was ex-England captain Andrew Flintoff, who tweeted: "Big fan of Chris Gayle but he made himself look like a bit of a chop there."
Former Australia batsman Chris Rogers accused Gayle of setting a poor example for young players, while current Australia batsman Shane Watson said the incident was the sort of behaviour to be expected from Gayle.
On the field, Gayle went out in a blaze of glory, smashing 50 off just 12 balls against Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday to equal the fastest half-century in T20 history, although the Renegades failed to make the weekend's finals.
Despite criticism, Gayle he would return to Australia to play in the Big Bash League.
In a video and audio media release issued by the Renegades on Tuesday, Gayle said: "Definitely - I have always got a soft spot for Australia. And the fans here have been very supportive. They have been really, really tremendous."
Watch the Big Bash League semi-finals live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 8.30am on Thursday and Friday - Adelaide Strikers face Sydney Thunder, while Melbourne Stars take on Perth Scorchers.
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