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England cricket captain Joe Root: Don’t use that as an insult. There is nothing wrong with being gay

The star batsman was involved in an on-pitch row with Windies bowler Shannon Gabriel

By Steve Brown

Words: Steve Brown

England cricket captain Joe Root has said ‘there’s nothing wrong with being gay’ during an alleged homophobic exchange with a bowler.

During the third test game in Saint Lucia, the star batsman was involved with a row with Windies bowler Shannon Gabriel who was warned by umpires over his ‘abusive’ language.

Although it’s not known what Gabriel said, Root’s response implies it was homophobic and is heard saying: “Don’t use that as an insult. There is nothing wrong with being gay.”

After the game, Root – who married his long-term girlfriend in December – said that Gabriel may have said something he ‘might regret’.

He said: “Sometimes people say things on the field they might regret, but they should stay on the field.”