Police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations of racist abuse during the rescheduled fifth Test between England and India at Edgbaston.
Several fans alleged on social media that India supporters had been targeted by racist abuse. One user wrote: "I'm all for some good banter between fans but today was some of the worst abuse we've ever experienced at a match.
"Some disgusting racism ("you smelly P****" for example). The stewards actually told the India fans to sit down whilst allowing the abuse to go ahead."
The official Edgbaston Twitter account responded to the tweets, writing: "We're incredibly sorry to read this and do not condone this behaviour in any way. We'll be investigating this ASAP."
One onlooker – who did not want to be named – captured the alleged abuse on his phone. He told the Mirror: "Everyone was drinking and singing and we were right in front of the India fans.
"It was a really good atmosphere but then India took three quick wickets and they started singing back. They were still having great banter and it was really good natured.
"But then this one guy came up from his seat 10 to 15 rows in front. They started singing and the atmosphere just changed. The India fans were trying to take the sting out of it by joining in the banter.
"This one guy just started sticking his fingers up and holding his nose. A woman who was sitting two rows behind ran down and slapped his hands – it was not acceptable.
"The stewards went over and had a word. I stopped them on the way past and told them that it wasn't the first time they'd been doing it.
"But I don't think they did anything, they just said, 'It's being sorted'. But he wasn't thrown out or anything, he was just told to stay in his seat."
And Edgbaston are now working with West Midlands Police, who are investigating the allegations. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told Sky Sports News : "We've launched a criminal investigation into reports of racist, abusive behaviour at the test match in Birmingham yesterday.
"We're liaising with Edgbaston officials to understand what's happened and would encourage anyone who heard any racist language or gestures, or has video footage that could help, to get in touch. We're aware of images circulating on social media showing an alleged offender.
"We're making enquiries to identify the person and would urge him to come forward and speak to us. Anyone with information can message us on Live Chat through our website or call 101. Please quote crime ref 20-613293-22."
In a statement, Edgbaston's chief executive Stuart Cain said anybody prosecuted as a result of the police investigation would be banned by both Edgbaston and the ECB. "Any form of abuse isn't acceptable in life or sport," he said.
"So, I'm angry about the fact that people think it's acceptable at an international cricket event and apologise for the distress it’s caused. I have spoken to those who raised the issue on social media, the stewards managing the Eric Hollies Stand and the police.
"There has been a great atmosphere over five days involving more than 100,000 England and India fans but when this issue was reported to the stewards, they couldn't pinpoint where the alleged abuse was coming from so stewards and the police monitored the area until close of play.
"If the police investigations lead to prosecution, then we will ban those involved from Edgbaston and the ECB will also ban them from all other cricket venues nationwide. We have to work harder to stop abuse at its source.
"For Saturday's Vitality IT20 versus India we will be writing to all fans to remind them of our zero tolerance approach to abuse and also increasing awareness of the app through wristbands, seat stickers, messages on hi-vis jackets and increased speaker and screen messages.
"Everybody should feel safe and welcome at Edgbaston, and we will continue to work hard to deliver this expectation."
